Meg describes herself as a full-time scientist and part-time adventurer, although she sorely wishes it was the other way around! She hails from the “Steel City” of Sheffield, and feels lucky to live there as the peak district is right at her doorstep. She has been attempting to look graceful on two wheels for a year and a half now and loves where my bike has taken her around the UK. Because of her involvement in mountain biking she has visited so many beautiful places that she is certain she never would have heard of prior. She rides a Specialized Enduro named Bruce and loves making rainbows in the forest with his brightly coloured wheels. The MTB community has been one of the friendliest environments she has ever found herself involved in. Along the way she has met so many lovely people and now has a great circle of trail buddies for weekend adventures, whether it be in far-away lands or local post-work rides.
You live such an adventurous life full of mountain biking and exploring the trails. How did you get into these activities?
I originally got into MTB because of my other half Guy. He’s a Scottish lad through-and-through and once he showed me videos of the greats doing their thing, I was determined to attempt to the sport so we would have a common healthy activity together (I’m not a gym goer by any means) and as an ex-dancer I thought I may as well put my legs to use! Now though, because of his work as an outdoor activities instructor, I find myself getting in a lot more miles on the bike than him. How the tables have turned!
How have these adventure activities made a positive impact on your life?
Being outside is one of nature’s best remedies for anything. Breathing the fresh air and seeing new sights… exploring places you’ve never been before… that is how I believe you’re meant to live your life. I crave the outdoors, and being on my bike allows me to do that whilst keeping fit, having fun and socializing with the awesome group of women that I now call my close friends. It’s a winner in every possible aspect.
Where do you call home? What are some of your favorite spots for mountain biking there?
I come from the “Steel City” of Sheffield. I’m blessed to able to call this amazing city home as it has so much to offer, it’s not called “The Outdoor City'” for nothing! For a local tootle there are Grenoside/Wharncliffe woods which each offer completely different trails to the other. Then you have the peak district on your doorstep for more epic rides, and there’s also Parwood Springs right in the city centre which is a small trail centre with a dual slalom track. All of these places are amazing and provide something unique each.
When you are not shredding the trails, what are some other activities you like to do?
If I’m not out on the trails you can normally find me doodling some helmet designs in my sketchbook or planning my next adventure. Last year I created my first ‘doodle helmet’ and since then Ive been itching to do something similar with my black Troy Lee full-face helmet, I had my vinyl delivered the other day so now it’s just a case of finalizing the design (watch this space!). However, on the rare day that I do fancy sitting still, I like to curl up with a book and let my mind do some exploring whilst my body has a rest.
What are some of the most memorable stories or achievements from your travels and adventures?
For better or worse, RedBull FoxHunt 2016 was one of my best weekends. I know this particular year has a bad reputation for how unorganized the weekend was, but you have to make the most out of any bad situation and for me, being at an event surrounded by positive and encouraging women was amazing and 100% the reason why I entered again this year. In terms of achievements, seeing my own progression is something that I get a pretty big buzz from. Following my OH on our rare trips together and being able to keep up with him gives me such a feeling of accomplishment as he used to absolutely smoke me in the early days. Now there are things that I have done that he hasn’t! And that puts a massive smile on my face!
We at This Adventure Life want our readers to live life fearlessly in the pursuit of living their ideal life. What would your advice be for someone who wants to live fearlessly and pursue their wildest dreams?
The best choice you can ever make in life is to be true to yourself. If you do that, at no point will you ever look back and think ‘I wonder what would have happened if..’ Don’t be afraid to take on life head on and get a few scars along the way. After all, there’s always a story behind a scar so you might as well make it a good ‘un!
Where is your next big adventure?
I don’t have my next big adventure planned yet…. but in my head I can’t get rid of the idea of Bali. It has everything! The jungle, the surf, the people…and not mention a pretty sweet bike park too!
I’ve just got to make it reality….and I’m sure I will!
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Follow her on Instagram – @meg_mtb
At This Adventure Life we celebrate the lives and stories of the people who live life fearlessly. #livefearlessly