Volume 1: Issue 2
By: Tatum, age 13, CO
GirlStory: You’re part of a mountain bike team. Why did you choose to get involved in mountain biking?
Tatum: I am a part of The Cycle Effect, which is an amazing program that gives girls the opportunity to ride crazy fun mountain biking trails and teaches the girls how to become polite, strong, smart, and kind women. I have been mountain biking for a majority of my life, and it is something that I am very passionate about, as well as something that my family does all the time. Riding with The Cycle Effect has made riding much more enjoyable because I get to ride with hardcore girls my age. All the girls on the team are so nice and encouraging, which always helps when you are finishing a hard ride.
GirlStory: Would you consider yourself to be more of a shy person or an outgoing person?
Tatum: I would consider myself more of an outgoing person because I do like making friends and meeting new people. The Cycle Effect has definitely helped me in that department. By having to interact with new girls on the team, I have become much more comfortable talking to new people.
GirlStory: Tell us about the kind of friendships you’ve built on the team. What makes someone a good friend?
Tatum: There are so many sweet girls on the team, and I have made many friendships with girls that I would’ve normally been scared to talk to. I have also strengthened many previous friendships. I have met some of my best friends through the team. Having good friends is something that is very important to me. If someone is a good friend, they are caring and kind but even more importantly, encouraging and like me for me. I see a lot of that on the team, which makes riding even more fun.
GirlStory: Is there someone who you think looks up to you? Who is it, and what do you think they look up to you about?
Tatum: I personally look up to so many people older and younger than me but someone that I think looks up to me is one of my very, very good friends, Carla Hahn. Clara and I meet in 6th grade, and we are now in 8th grade together. Our friendship has grown so much through The Cycle Effect, especially. I definitely look up to her about so many things, but I also know that she looks up to me as well. I have been riding for much longer than her, and I think that is something that she looks up to me about. She always asks me for tips and how she can get better on the technical sections of the trials. Carla has become a fantastic rider over the short period of time that we have been on the team together. When we are riding together and seeing each other grow and make mistakes . . . that is what makes our friendship even more spectacular and close.
GirlStory: We love that answer. Being real and having the freedom to make mistakes and grow a friendship is awesome! How would you describe the perfect day?
Tatum: My perfect day would consist of many activities for sure. I would spend lots of time with my family and friends. We would go and do something that we all enjoy such as, riding our bikes, going to the lake, and playing games. We would eat our favorite foods—mine would be sushi. In the evening, we would watch movies and spend more time together.
GirlStory: If you could snap your fingers and fix one problem in the world, which issue would you instantly fix?
Tatum: There are so many things that I would love to fix in the world but if I had to choose one it would be equality for all races and genders. The Cycle Effect has taught me to stand up and fight for what I believe in so that would be the first thing that I would do.
GirlStory: What is the most difficult thing in your life right now?
Tatum: The most difficult thing in my life right now would have to be school. I normally don’t struggle very much with school, but this year, it is so different and there is a lot to get used to with the COVID Protocol.
GirlStory: We don’t think you’re alone in that school struggle! What made you laugh today?
Tatum: Today, my dad made me laugh when he picked me up from a long day at school and having to wear a mask. All my friends also made me laugh today, which is always a good thing.
GirlStory: Do you want to share anything else with our readers?
Tatum: Thank you to The Cycle Effect for being such a huge part of my life. I couldn’t ask for a better team 🙂
GirlStory: Thank YOU, Tatum. You are a rock star!
Tatum,
You describe some of the benefits of The Cycle Effect clearly and skillfully. Plus your positioning on your bike looks very professional. Brett and coaches are proud of you, I am sure!!
Great interview Tatum. You have expressed great interest in biking as a team sport and you show great insight in what it means to be a team member as well as friendships. we think you are awesome. Go Tatum! Love from Grandma Mary and Grandpa David 🙂 🙂