Written by Haley SHARETWEET

Pro Mountain Biker Haley Batten Tells Us About Little Bellas

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Pro mountain biker Haley Batten speaks to a group of young ladies at a Little Bellas clinic in Park City, Utah.

A Park City Local

I grew up with Trailside Bike Bike Park in Park City, Utah – right out my backdoor. I’ve spent many evenings here chasing around a whole crew of boys that I raced and rode with all the time. There is no doubt that this little group has been influential in helping me become the rider I am today. However, there has been something special about the empowerment that I have experienced being surrounded by my Clif Pro Teammate’s passion, support, and capability. As time has gone by, my development as a mountain bike racer has progressed just as the park has also developed. From a student at Trailside elementary to a young woman that has had the opportunity to chase my dreams. Traveling the world and racing mountain bikes with seven powerful female mountain bikers on the Clif Pro Team has been amazing.

Pro mountain biker Haley Batten speaks to a group of young ladies at a Little Bellas clinic in Park City, Utah.

Little Bellas

Recently, I was able to lend a helping hand for a couple days at the Little Bellas Spring Session. Little Bellas is a program that mentors and empowers girls ages seven through thirteen through the sport of mountain biking. This incredible program began in Vermont as a result of the passion and vision of Sabra and Lea Davison. I was a junior mentor two years ago when the Park City chapter was just getting started in 2016. The excitement, creativity, and community building of the program blew me away even then. To be reminded of this once again and to see how much the Little Bellas program has flourished in my hometown was really special for me.

Accessorizing the helmets during a Little Bellas session in Park City, Utah.
Young mountain bikers in Park City, Utah.
Flower power always makes you smile.

Smiles for Miles

As I chased the girls all over the trails, I was able to witness some amazing things. I saw their smiles as they conquered a new challenge. I witnessed the joy that they shared with their peers. And I noticed their appreciation for the outdoors and its beauty. On one ride, right outside the bike park, there were lots of little rock sections throughout our route. At first, a few of the girls shouted “I hate rocks!” as they stiffly bounced over the rocky terrain. From then on, we made these rock sections a fun new challenge. We gave the girls a positive outlook on these aspects of the trail. Each time there was another section, I would remind them to keep their arms and knees bent, their eyes up, and to be confident in their abilities.

The author follows a young mountain biking into a corner at the Trailside Bike Park.
Working on those cornering skills in a Little Bellas clinic.

Welcoming Challenges

They became more and more excited about conquering their fears. And started giving their best effort every time they came across a rougher portion of the trail. Soon they were shouting “Look rocks!” and then rolling out of the section with smiles on their faces. When all the riders would re-group again, they would discuss the section. We would congratulate each other or giggle together as one tells a story about their miraculous save from almost falling over. By going on these little mountain bike adventures, everyone was able to build from their achievements.

Building Skills and Confidence

The rad group of Little Bellas mentors are able to share not only their passion for the sport. But also teach confidence, empowerment, teamwork, goal-setting, and how to live a healthy lifestyle through the program. The little ladies finished the last day of the session ready to tackle any challenge that lay ahead. All they wanted to do was ride lap after lap on the pump track. They were practicing their pumping and cornering skills, and ride the jump line as many times as they could.

The park was filled with Little Bellas trying new wooden features or their favorite section of trail and practicing until they succeeded. They are never alone when they want to try something new. And their effort is always followed with support from their mentors, a peer willing to give it a go right by their side, and supportive cheers from everyone nearby. Little Bellas shows young girls that they ARE capable and that they CAN do absolutely anything.

Little Bellas was started in 2007 by Lea Davison, Sabra Davison, and Angela Irvine. Clinics for young women mountain bikers are offered in several states across the U.S. Visit the Little Bellas web site for locations and dates.

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Role Models

To finish the day of riding, I did a pro question and answer with the whole group. I stood with all those little faces and glowing eyes looking up at me. And I realized that as a young girl, I was just like them. I would ride down these exact trails on my little wheels with the wind in my hair and the biggest smile on my face. Similarly, I looked up to so many inspiring female athletes and only hoped to follow in their footsteps. If I could only tell that “little me” someday those role models would become my teammates.

Haley takes questions from the group.

Growing the Community of Active Girls

Mountain biking has had a huge impact on my life. I see a little of myself in those girls as they are just starting on the life journey of their choice. That day at Little Bellas, I took on a role I never have before and a role that I previously never felt worthy of holding. I have transformed from the girl filled with wonder looking up to the pros. I race my bike and chase my passion. Others were interested in following my journey.

I hope that I was able to inspire some of them with my story which began in such a similar way as theirs. I feel grateful for teaching me that by becoming a role model, I can help them in the pursuit of finding their passion. More than anything, I am thankful to have witnessed the impact that this program is having on so many young women. Unlike them, most of the time I wasn’t following another girl my age down the trail. Little Bellas is changing that. They are growing the community of outdoor, active girls – and that is something really special.

Thanks for the Inspiration

Women inspiring and supporting each other will have a positive impact on this world. And, after feeling that I have been at both the giving and receiving end, I just can’t get enough of it. So, the best way I can think of to properly close is to say thank you. Thank you to all women out there that have inspired others to chase their dreams by leading the way. Thanks for guiding me to become a role model so that I can help empower more young women to someday to the same. Thank you to Little Bellas for providing a platform to empower young women and grow the community in a way that has never been done before.

Haley Batten - Clif Pro Team

About the author, Haley Batten

I am a professional mountain bike racer from Park City, Utah. Biking has always been a very important aspect of my family’s life. My parents would bring my younger brother and I on incredible trips to explore and commute by bike. We traveled all over the U.S. and in Europe. I learned to appreciate the joy and freedom that mountain biking provides. Soon riding and racing became one of my greatest passions. Now, at 19 years old, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world to chase my dreams. Along the way I have met amazing people and received so much support from my community. I am currently attending Quest University in Squamish, Canada and am really enjoying the new experiences and challenges of balancing being a student and an athlete.

Follow Haley on…
Instagram:  haley.batten  |  Facebook: haleybatten1  |  Twitter: BattenHaley

Haley would like thank her sponsors…
Clif Pro Team, Clif Bar, Orbea, Luna, Maxxis, Fox Racing Shox, Giro, Rotor, Garneau, Camelbak, DT Swiss, Sock Guy, Feedback Sports, Garmin, ESI Grips, Astute Saddles, K-edge, Race Face/Easton, Oakley

Kirsten Dale, photographer

About the photographer, Kirsten Dale

Kirsten is from Missoula, Montana where she attended the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Drawn to the beauty of the natural world and the adventure of travel, she is often found exploring by foot, board, or bike with her camera in tow.

Follow Kirsten on…
Website:  kirstendale.com  |  Instagram: kirstendalephoto  |  Facebook: Kirsten Dale Photography

Written by Brett SHARETWEET

Decal Giveaway Rules – July 2020

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Mountain Biking with Kids – Decal Giveaway Official Rules and Regulations NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.

1. Eligibility: Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to those who sign up at the online sweepstakes page and who are at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry. The sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Mountain Biking with Kids (the “Sponsor”), their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, suppliers and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, you agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and you represent and warrant that you meet the eligibility requirements set forth herein. In addition, you agree to accept the decisions of Sponsor as final and binding as it relates to the content. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

3. Sweepstakes Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on or about July 8, 2020 and ending July 11, 2020. All online entries must be received by July 11, 2020, at 11:59AM MST.

4. How to Enter: Like the MTB With Kids Facebook Page (facebook.com/mtbwithkids) and tag a friend. The entry must fulfill all sweepstakes requirements to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are not complete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Sponsor. You may enter only once and you must fill in the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple identities or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If you use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Sponsor.

5. Prizes: 10 winners will receive a set of 6 decals. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by the Sponsor. No cash or other prize substitution permitted except at Sponsor’s discretion. The prize is non-transferable. Any and all prize related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes shall be the sole responsibility of the winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by winners is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Sponsor to use winner’s name, state of residence, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

6. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

7. Winner selection and notification: If more than 10 entries are received, Winners of the Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing using a random number generation application under the supervision of the Sponsor. Winner will be notified via Facebook Messenger entered in the Sweepstakes within three (3) days following the winner selection. Winner must respond to the Facebook Message within three (3) days and provide a valid US mailing address (not a P.O. box). Prize will be shipped to the address provided by Winner at Sponsor’s expense.

Sponsor shall have no liability for a winner’s failure to receive notices due to winner’s spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If the selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, or fails to claim the prize within 3 days from the time award notification is sent, prize may be forfeited and an alternate winner selected. The receipt by winner of the prize offered in this Sweepstakes is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal and state laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY ANY WINNER (AT SPONSOR’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN SUCH WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE SWEEPSTAKES AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

8. Rights Granted by you: By entering this content you understand that Mountain Biking with Kids, anyone acting on behalf of Mountain Biking with Kids, or its respective licensees, successors and assigns will have the right, where permitted by law, without any further notice, review or consent to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use, worldwide in any media now known or hereafter in perpetuity and throughout the World, your entry, including, without limitation, the entry and winner’s name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image or statements about the Sweepstakes, and biographical information as news, publicity or information and for trade, advertising, public relations and promotional purposes without any further compensation.

9. Terms: Mountain Biking with Kids reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) a virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Mountain Biking with Kids may select the recipients from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Mountain Biking with Kids. Mountain Biking with Kids reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. Sponsor has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Sweepstakes, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to; multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by sweepstakes rules; or the use of bots, macros or scripts or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any web site or undermine the legitimate operation of the sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. By entering the Sweepstakes you agree to receive email newsletters and messages periodically from Mountain Biking for Kids. You can opt out of receiving this communication at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the newsletter.

10. Limitation of Liability: By entering you agree to release and hold harmless Mountain Biking for Kids and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from (i) such entrant’s participation in the sweepstakes and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof, (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunctioning of any computer, cable, network, hardware or software; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions or telephone or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error which may occur in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

11. Disputes: THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND UTAH, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Sweepstakes, participant agrees that any and all disputes which cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Utah having jurisdiction. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances will participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes), and participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.

12. Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the Mountain Biking with Kids Web Site. www.mtbwithkids.com/terms-of-use/

13. Winners List: To obtain a copy of the winner’s name or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Mountain Biking with Kids, 1563 South 1600 East • Salt Lake City, UT 84105. Requests must be received no later than July 30, 2020. 14. Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Sweepstakes is Mountain Biking with Kids. 1563 South 1600 East • Salt Lake City, UT 84105