The Future Is Bright: Erin DeVault

August 22, 2024

Re Post from Bike Mag: Original article here

Grassroots mountain bike events, featuring riders like Erin DeVault, show just how vibrant the women’s freeride scene really is.

By Ariel Kazunas

Erin DeVault rides through a beautiful berm.

As larger-scale industry investment for women’s events like Redbull Formation has dried up in recent years, grassroots events, like the recently hosted She Shreds Legacy, have begun popping up to fill the gap. For the femme freeride community, such events offer a chance to progress, network, bolster portfolios, and, most importantly, have fun in a supportive environment. The Future is Bright is a series dedicated hearing more from the athletes at these grassroots events about their “why:” why they participate and why things like She Shreds Legacy matter.

We’re kicking the series off by chatting with She Shreds athlete, Erin DeVault. Erin started mountain biking in 2019, after growing up in Casper, WY, where the majority of outdoor recreation was focused on fishing, hunting, and hiking. “I never imagined that I would be riding a bike on rocky terrain down a mountain, let alone clearing thirty-foot road gaps!” Erin says she was introduced to the sport by a friend. “The curiosity and obsession only grew from there. I’ve never had ‘proper’ training. The mountain bike community has been my guide.”

Name and current place of residence?

Erin DeVault (she/her), Jackson, WY.

Did you apply or get invited to She Shreds Legacy?

I applied for She Shreds. Best decision this summer!

Why did you attend She Shreds?

I attended She Shreds to broaden my mountain biking skills as a rider, but to also be more involved in the progression of freeriding for women. I also wanted to attend with some of my best gal pals, Ariel and Cadel, to share a first-time experience for all of us. Lastly, I wanted to conquer the fear of not feeling like I belonged there, because of the skill set that the other riders had. The experience turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made, because I did belong and I did gain more confidence as a woman on the bike.

What makes She Shreds stand out, to you, from other MTB / freeride events?

She Shreds will always have a special place in my memories; the event prioritized a place for everyone to feel welcomed and seen. Kaytlyn and Heather also made the event so that we all had low pressure, high progression, and an even higher stoke environment for ourselves and others.

Did you have a proudest moment from the event?

I would say my personal proudest moment of the event was when Amy Shenton had me lead a party train down Sparkle (our now most favorite trail). I was thinking in my head, “Okay Erin, don’t mess this up. You’re a good rider. And most of all just have fun on the bike.” I think it was the first time where I felt like I was being pushed (but not in a bad way) to clear the jumps and set a good pace for the rest of the train. That supportive environment from various skilled riders was such a confidence boost that I hope to pass along to other riders.

Did you have a most challenging moment from the event?

I think my most challenging moment was just telling myself that I did belong at the event, and that I only needed to push myself within the range of my skillset. From time to time I had to remind myself that we were all out here to have fun, to grow connections, and that, even though we were all at She Shreds together, everyone’s progression was going to look a little different.

Did you have any goals coming into the event?

My goals coming into the She Shreds was to hit the Jammer line. I remember riding Legacy last year and thinking, “There is no way I am going to hit that jump line.” I watched as the friends that I was with last year rode through it, though, and fantasized myself flying through the air with them. But it wasn’t until the camaraderie and coaching at She Shreds instilled the confidence in me that I could finally give that track a stab.

Do you have any goals moving forward (this season or in future seasons)?

My goal moving forward is to “become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.” I had some apprehensions going into the event, but I learned a lot from the other riders and am excited to utilize my new-found skills to overcome different obstacles and challenges.

Any family, friends, or sponsors you want to thank?

Shout out to our sweet, non-biological, younger sister Cadel for getting my Teton lady crew to sign up for She Shreds!

Also big thank you to my partner Collin Grimm for the endless pasta dinners leading up to this event; to Hoback Sports for the mechanical support by keeping my Nomad up and running; and to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for providing lift access to air time this season so I could progress.

End of Season Clearance Sale

The Future Is Bright: Erin DeVault

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