Teamwork Makes Isabel Ryan Fall in Love with Mountain Biking

Isabel (known to her team mates as “Izzy”) Ryan did not start out loving mountain biking. She was a three-sport athlete when COVID hit. Mountain biking was not one of her sports, but it was the only option. “My mom was tired of us sitting around because everything was cancelled,” said Ryan. “She forced us to join MTB and we hated it. The first practice was really bad – I was slow, and I am super competitive.” Her attitude quickly changed.

Once she got over her initial resistance, Ryan started having so much fun mountain biking, she dropped all of her other sports and ended up riding for all four years of high school, three of those years with the Miners. Her team members were a big factor in this attitude shift. “They know you can do it, they have no doubt,” she said. “They are there to help you push through anything, and they never give up.” Ryan admits it’s not all easy and fun, and that training is important. This too is where the teamwork comes in. “There’s no bench warmers, per NICA,” she said. “We all contribute to the points for the end of the season, no matter what place you get. You have to push yourself.”

Ryan’s love of mountain biking won’t end when she graduates this year. In September, she will be moving to England to work for Muc-Off, a maker of bike care products. Her advice for riders who are interested in the team: “Believe in yourself! It’s hard when people are faster than you, but people will help you get faster,” she said. “This team is the best! It’s the most supportive, encouraging team I have ever been on.”