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Motorsports have been a transformative force in my life, shaping me from a shy kid with her nose perpetually buried in books to an outgoing and adventurous person with a deep passion for dirtbiking. My journey began when I was introduced to road racing and fell in love with the thrill and precision of the sport. Seeking to improve my road racing skills, I ventured into the world of dirtbiking, buying a used TTR 230. My first ride was a disaster—I sank the bike in water, popped the chain, and faced immense frustration while my friends stood dry on the sidelines. Yet, despite the misery of that first experience, a Midwest thunderstorm rolled in on my way back, and I was struck by the sheer power and beauty of nature. That moment ignited something in me, and road racing was quickly left behind as I began chasing the awe and connection that dirtbiking brought into my life.
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The transition wasn’t easy. Riding a dirtbike was a completely different skill set, and I struggled to find coaching specific to the terrain and challenges of dirtbiking—not just motorcycling. Determined, I traveled across the country to learn from some of the best riders in the sport, including Graham Jarvis, Rich Larsen, and Ryder Guest. But I realized that not everyone has the time or resources to make such journeys. That’s when I decided to bring what I had learned back to Minnesota, organizing clinics to provide accessible coaching. My focus was on helping new riders, particularly women, avoid the frustration I felt on my first ride and instead experience the joy and thrill of dirtbiking. This mission expanded, and I now travel to coach and ride with people all across the country. Partnering with Splat Moto Training, I also helped establish a dirtbike training and staycation facility in Southern California—a place where riders can train, ride, and connect year-round.
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Along the way, I discovered that pursuing this passion required funding and support, which meant learning how to approach sponsors effectively. Early on, I struggled with how to present myself, often feeling like “just a racer.” Over time, I realized that building genuine connections and fostering community were the keys to successful partnerships. It’s not about the individual—it’s a team effort to grow the sport together. I also noticed that many riders lacked the resources or knowledge to secure sponsorships, so I began sharing my insights to help others pursue their dreams. Supporting more riders leads to a thriving ecosystem: more money flowing into businesses, bigger and better races, improved media coverage, and a continuous cycle of growth that brings new riders into the fold—who often need coaching, too!
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People often tell me to “pick one thing” or “niche down,” but I believe my “one thing” is community support. My goal is to help as many people as possible experience the life-changing impact of dirtbiking, whether they’re casual enthusiasts, die-hard racers, or riders who simply want to keep up with their friends on the trail. Dirtbiking has changed my life, and I want to pay that forward by making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone. If you’d like to learn more about my coaching journey or my approach to sponsorship, you’ll find those stories under their respective tabs. And if you want an unfiltered look at who I am and what my team is all about, check out Fungi Reality TV.
Thank you for reading—I hope to see you on the trails someday!
~Catherine