Katie Clement: Rider Profile
Austin has many sights to see, especially along the many hike and bike trails in the area. Whether you use your bicycle to go to work or to simply spend time with your family, cycling is always going to be a great and fun way to get around. Katie Clement works with bicycles on a regular basis, and the best part is that she’s allowed some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about herself and her experience with Mamma Jamma.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm the store manager at Bicycle Sport Shop on Guadalupe. I am recently married and have a 10-year-old ice hockey star who loves to ride bikes with me on pavement and trails. Kiddo and I just got mountain bikes, so I'm doing my best to learn how not to kill myself on dirt and keep up with him. He's fast!
I ride for fun and transportation. My family had 2 cars, and last May, we decided to sell one and get an e-bike for me. I got a Specialized Vado that is my daily commuter. It came equipped with fenders and a rack, so I invested in a waterproof bag and some rain pants, waterproof riding boots, and a good jacket. I rode to work every day through our cold, wet winter, and have never looked back. My commute is 3-10 miles in one direction, depending on whether I'm working at my shop or our shop's headquarters just south of the river, and the e-bike ensures I can make it to work in a reasonable time and in reasonable comfort. On days when we can all ride to work and school together, I take my gravel bike, and the boys ride our mountain tandem. We take the Boggy Creek trail, the hike and bike trail along Lady Bird Lake, and Shoal Creek trail. It's smiles for miles with the whole family. Seriously, some of our best times and biggest laughs together are on the way to school and work.
Why do you ride?
My Aunt Sylvia Peacock was diagnosed in her 40's and had a double mastectomy. She is a survivor and has been an advocate for breast cancer screenings and prevention since the early 90's. She's an inspiration to me and many others. I started getting my annual mammograms last year at age 36, and they're no fun, but I would have to hear it from Aunt Sylvia if I neglected to get my yearly screenings. I'm proud to fund raise and ride Mamma Jamma in her honor each year.
I was introduced to Mamma Jamma at a team sign-up party, and I was impressed by Mamma Jamma because it benefits organizations that help women and their families who are currently seeking treatment, in treatment, or have recently had treatment and need help getting access to or navigating their way through the network of resources. Beneficiaries that I have spoken to have been helped directly by Mamma Jamma. It's not just another charity ride that cuts a check to a giant organization who will never make a personal acquaintance with the recipients of their fundraising efforts; it’s riders raising grassroots money for social and medical workers on the ground that help real people and their families.
How do you prepare for the ride?
I commute 5 days a week, so I'm training all the time. During the nice weather, I ride my road bike with friends and participate in Bicycle Sport Shop group rides, especially their Women's Day ride series. When the weather is not so nice or when I only have an hour to ride, I train at Pedal Hard, which is good for perfecting technique and form as well as building endurance for climbs. I highly recommend doing some training classes there - everyone can benefit, and the classes are targeted to each individual rider, so anyone with a bike can get the perfect workout for them.
After a long ride, I enjoy a good soak in the tub with Epsom salt and as much foam rolling as I can take.
What is one thing you'd say about Mamma Jamma to convince a friend or family member to join you in the ride?
Mamma Jamma is different than other breast cancer charity rides in Austin because it gives money directly to organizations that are helping women and their families right now — women in treatment, women in recovery who need help with bills, food for their families, treatment for depression and anxiety, and support from people who know exactly what they are going through. Also, Martindale is an absolutely beautiful place to ride, and the community is so welcoming and warm. The ride is really well-supported and covers such a great course. I look forward to riding there again this September!
By Christian Mariano, Communications Intern
Pictured: Katie Clement