The Pennsylvania bike wizard

The Pennsylvania bike wizard

1505281107

Words by Karen Brooks
Photos by the Trans-Sylvania Epic Media Team

As dusk falls in the lush Pennsylvania woods, things are winding down at the NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic mountain bike stage race. The awards ceremony and slideshow are over, so racers filter back to their cabins. Birds stop singing and evening quiet envelops the rustic Boy Scout camp. But one pavilion off to the side of the dining hall is still a hub of activity - lights blazing, conversation, occasional clanking and hissing noises. This is where local shop Freeze Thaw Cycles does its mechanical support for the race.

... to read more click here

Melissa "Missy" Giove

Missy forged the path for mainstream professional downhill mountain bikers around the globe. A serious force of nature, Missy (42) did not earn her nickname The Missile for nothing.

... to read more click here

Jane Eccles


In 2005, a few days after giving birth, Jane and her family were told she had just hours to live. She had contracted Necrotising Fasciitis (NF) and it was very quickly ripping through her body.

Thankfully their prognosis was not correct, but for Jane this was only the first battle of many. Extensive surgery was required to get rid of the NF, one which involved the removal of her abdominal muscles. As she lay in intensive care, it was becoming clear that her physical ability would never be the same again.

... to read the rest click here

Tara Llane

Tara Liane's incredible story is not one of how she became paralyzed crashing in a downhill mountain bike race back in 2007 but rather one of determination, drive and the positivity.

The four-time national bike champion may have lost the use of her legs but she is living proof that you can always come back fighting and if you have the will, energy and competitive spirit can help you to achieve what others would deem impossible.

... to read more click here

Eileen Gray

One of the pioneers and champions of women's racing is Eileen Gray. It's a name that might not be familiar to many, but the incredible vision and hard work of this woman made a significant contribution to establishing women's cycle racing on the national and international stage.

... to read more click here