GOOD PEOPLE DOING COOL SH*T: Stephanie McMillan
๐ด GOOD PEOPLE DOING COOL SH*T
Stephanie McMillan
๐ Phoenix, AZ
๐ Meet Stephanie
ย
Her introduction to mountain biking started as a way to spend time with her partner, Josh. For the first three years, she only rode a handful of times a year and didnโt love it. But adrenaline drew her in, and the physical and mental challenges kept her coming back.
โOnce I realized what I was capable of, and how much my own mindset could either help (or hinder) my riding, I was hooked!โ
๐ด Trail Life
Stephanie thrives on steep, fast, and technical terrain, learning to embrace the burn of a tough climb while staying true to her downhill roots.
Favorite Ride: โIrregular Link or a segment known as โCannonballโ on trail 100; both in PMP. Also, a big fan of Devastator (32nd st) and Mormon (24th st) at SoMo. Put me on anything steep, fast, or techy and Iโm a happy girl!โ
Ride Time: Early mornings in the summer; otherwise, afternoon and sunset rides all day.
Style: Embraces technical climbs but loves fast descents and bike park days.
Crew or Solo: With the crewโsheโs found an amazing group of ladies to ride with.
๐ฅ Doing Cool Sh*t
Stephanie recently launched theย Talk Gnarly To Me podcast, aimed at highlighting and strengthening the Phoenix mountain-bike community.
Beyond the mic, she views her biggest accomplishment as her mindset: she goes after what she wants, isnโt afraid to fail, and doesnโt give up easily. She wants her presence on the trails to inspire future generations of women in MTB.
โI want to be the reason other women feel empowered to take up space, or think โI can do that too!โ, because YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN!โ
Right now, her goals span the practical to the ultimate:
๐ Pay off student loans
๐ Expand private coaching and host fall skills clinics
๐ Score an Insta360 camera and a partnership with Nerds or V8 Energy
๐ Earn an abundant income doing fun and cool sh*t on and around bikes
๐ค Community Matters
Stephanie is deeply invested in the Phoenix scene. She leads group rides for all levels, volunteers her coaching at community events, does trail work and bike patrol for city parks, and supports local MTB companies and fellow coaches.
When it comes to inspiration, she looks to the women around her. Her friend Jen is a standout badass on and off the bike, while organizers like Heidi Wennerstrom and Wendy Aragaki push themselves on the trails while constantly bringing the community together.
โReally any lady who is out there pushing herself, because watching other women make progress inspires me a LOT.โ
โก Rapid Fire
Ride Snack: Nerds Gummy Clusters, Kirkland fruit/vegetable pouches, and Elete Electrolytes
Playlist: Female vocalistsโRuby Waters, Laurel, Sienna Spiro, Goldie Boutilier, and Ktlyn
Dream Ride Location: The PNW, Whistler, New Zealand, and Spirit Mountain (for redemption)
๐ฌ Real Talk
โI truly go for the things I want; Iโm not afraid to fail, and I do not give up easily.โ
