Trail Zen clinics are designed and taught by ladies for ladies who want to improve their mountain biking skills. Our focus is primarily working with women to help conquer fears and insecurities we all face when sitting in the saddle; the reality is our bodies can do most of what we ask them to–it’s the asking that is tough!
With over 15 years of combined riding experience (road and mountain), Trail Zen instructors have lots of practice and have discovered ways to help you feel more comfortable and confident on your bike so you can have maximum fun on the trail!
In the bones and blood of Rachel Bagley’s being are the mountains and rivers that run through her birthplace in the desert. Submerging herself in the wildlife of that countryside her focus has been shaped by the dirt she’s kicked up on those trails. Rachel loves the pace of the world as seen on bikes, and values the meditation and intuition she finds through cycling. Now living in Portland for eleven years, she has cultivated her own style of mountain biking and finds deep satisfaction through cross country, endurance adventures, however, she’s happy so long as she’s riding. Rachel understands a language that exists between the mind and body via cycling, and loves to help others become fluent in this communication.
Growing up ‘farther back in the woods than most people have ever been’, Val Vanderpool has always been active outdoors. Having dabbled in rock-climbing, alpine/telemark/cross-country skiing, kayaking, mountaineering and even skydiving, Val finally got serious about her passion for mountain biking in 2007. Ever since then, she has biked for 10 months out of the year, spending most days out on the trail near her home in Mt. Hood, Oregon, where she also co-owns a seasonal bike shop, Dog River Cycles and teaches yoga at the local community hall.
Her favorite type of riding is all-mountain, but admittedly loves to go fast on technical downhills. So far, her favorite trails are in Whistler and Gooseberry Mesa in Utah, but she also loves her backyard shreds near Hood River, Oregon.
She brings to the team the belief that you can do anything and everything you can imagine on your bike, and that the real battle starts with mind. Using yoga-based breathing techniques, body positioning tricks, and focusing on staying relaxed, Val wants to help all women feel comfortable, confident and happy on their bikes so they can rip up any trail, anywhere.
