FEMALE LEADERSHIP AT ROOTED: MEET Co RACE DIRECTOR: Kristin Motley

Kristin Motley has been a behind the scenes contributor to Rooted since its infancy last year. She's officially joined Laura and Ted as a co-director and we want to share a little more about her. Kristin lives in Waterbury, VT with her husband and two boys ages 3 and 5. 

You lived in Maine, Utah, and New Hampshire before settling in Vermont. Why Vermont? 

Vermont is the perfect intersection of rural living, expansive trail networks and dirt roads, mountains, and most of all, a community of athletes that prioritizes getting outside regardless of the weather. During the dark months, everyone just grabs lights and bundles up-- it’s infectious and incredibly fun. 

How did you gravitate toward co-running Rooted? 

Laura and I are similarly direct and thoughtful women. We met through riding and our working relationship evolved naturally as Rooted took shape last year. My background is in development and communications (and geology!) so joining Laura and Ted as a co-director of Rooted is a natural evolution of those skills and my love of bike racing. I think Laura, Ted and I inspire each other as we individually navigate Rooted, training, children, marriage, and personal goals. Finding balance among those things is challenging and awesome. We're more than "co-directors", we're friends. 

What do you see as important tenants of riding and gravel?

The unwritten rules of gravel are to be kind and to believe in the abilities of others. Gravel biking makes people feel part of something larger than themselves which is very powerful. Adding to the inclusivity of the sport is that volunteering at an event is just as profound as riding or racing. 

I felt invisible when I got into racing-- because there were so few women or because I didn't look "pro" enough or have the right bike. My mentors believed in me before I had the guts to believe in myself. I am trying to do that for others through Rooted, through our Women's Clinic with Network for Advancing Athletes, through inclusivity like making eye contact and saying "hello", talking to someone eating alone at the end of a race, or leading beginner gravel rides for Bicycle Express. I am so addicted to this lifestyle and I want to help others find their fire.