Photo@John Pohl Photography
Name: Stephanie NychkaFavourite tune to listen to on the bike: "Picture Me Rollin'" - 2 Pac, "Whats Poppin" - Jack Harlow, "Heat Waves" - Glass Animals
Photo@John Pohl Photography
Tell us about your self, Who you are and what makes you so rad? I've ridden bikes for ~20 years, competing in all disciplines though my passion lies primarily in slopestyle and freeride. I'm the only woman to have ever competed in both the Crankworx Slopestyle and Redbull Freeze Ride, and created the first ever women's slopestyle events to recognise female riders in the sport in the mid-2000s. I coach, volunteer for not-for profit groups (Pinkbike's Share the Ride, Canadian Tire Jump Start, Specialized Outride) and mentor developing riders of all ages, while continuing to train and compete at FMB and Crankworx Slopestyle events. On paper, I'm a 40 year old married chiropractic doctor with 3 kids (ages 5,7 and 8), but in real life I'm riding better than I ever have before and I have more tricks to learn!
Photo@coffeehousemedia
Contests or just riding? Why. Both. I love challenging myself mentally and physically in competitive situations, but just riding reminds me why I love bikes, and the incredible friendships and memories I've made because of them.
Photo@andrewjaybw
What’s your all time favourite mountain biking trip? Yes! All of them.
Photo@andrewjaybw
What do you love about riding? The people, the places, the freedom and progression, and being able to share all these things with my own children.
What you’re most proud of achieving through riding? Picking up Freestyle BMX in 2019 just to see if I could do it, and winning Canadian Championships! In mountain biking, helping develop the women's slopestyle tour in 2019 as a division of the FMB (Freeride Mountain Bike Association), as well as establishing 'The DRAFT'- a junior female slopestyle development team.
Photo@John Pohl Photography
One tip you would give to a grom wanting to become a pro rider like yourself. Every person you meet in this industry will have a role in your riding career, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better. At the same time, you are playing some role in their lives as well. Know that paths cross for a reason and treat people with significance!
