Mountain biking is fast becoming a popular local high school club sport. Over the last decade, this sport did not grow on its own. It takes individuals with dedication, passion, and drive to organize and motivate teenagers to get involved. Vanessa Hauswald is such a person. This former 12th grade teacher at Casa Grande High School is now Executive Director for the NorCal High School Cycling League working in what she calls her dream job. I first learned about her after watching a very touching and inspiring video of her mountain biking which led to this interview. She has overcame a significant personal challenge and turned her love for teaching from the classroom to mountain trails.
Wayne: Vanessa, thank you so much for your time to tell us your story. Tell us about your experience growing up in the wine country and riding in your youth?
Vanessa: I was born and raised in Napa Valley, CA where my parents had us riding and touring bikes since we were in elementary school. He started out by bribing my brother and I with pancake breakfasts, so we would ride from Napa to Yountville or St. Helena, pig out and return happy. We graduated to doing more touring…I celebrated my high school graduation with a two week bike tour through the Scottish Highlands, and since then our family has toured the CA coast numerous times.
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Wayne: What happened when you live in Colorado that made mountain biking turn into a passion for you?
Vanessa: Everyone in Durango rides a mountain bike, so I joined the fun and never turned back.
