Patty Smith
Co-President

The co-Presidency position requires a personal commitment and as one of the founding members it has been wonderful to watch this club grow and develop, and to see the impact it has made in the women’s lives. This club has brought us all good friendships and has improved our self-confidence.

I moved to Charlotte in 1999 from Greensboro, NC. Currently I have two life mates; one is my husband of 14 years and the other is my cat "Cisco". However this year Jay and I are expecting a little girl, another Dirt Diva in the house. By profession I’m a real estate coordinator at Prudential Carolinas Realty- South Park office. When I’m not cycling I also enjoy spending time with family, running, snowboarding and working in the yard.

I bought my first bike (had to weigh 50 lbs.) and started riding in the summer of 1999. Through riding with other mountain bikers I was introduced into road riding in the spring of 2000. Mountain biking is still my first love and I began racing in the spring of 2001, now I’ve really gotten hooked.

My favorite local trail is Renaissance, because it’s close to town, tight, twisty, fast and fun. In the beginning this trail claimed many of my bruises, scrapes, gashes, burns … but it has also claimed far many more of my smiles. Still within the state, I have really enjoyed the challenges of Dupont Forests’ (outside of Hendersonville) terrain, waterfalls and scenery, the adventures of exploring the perfect route amongst the 90+ miles is also a challenge.

My all time favorite trail is the 401 trail in Crested Butte, CO. Once you reach the snow that still lies on the ground in Aug., you know you have reached the top. The decent is rocky, steep hairpin turns, some off camber but all of it is absolutely beautiful, once you break out into the meadows this narrow little trail is lined with wildflowers taller than your head. Fruita, CO would have to rank a close 2nd, beautiful rock formations along the CO river.

Tracey Jones
Co-President

I began mountain biking in 1999 while working at Gold’s Gym. I had been weight training and running on the treadmill for several years when my co-workers started talking about mountain biking. They would come to work every day with huge smiles on their faces as well as scrapes and bruises on their bodies. They shared exciting stories and it wasn’t long before I joined them on rides before work every day at Renaissance. Even though I couldn’t keep up with them I had become part of the world of mountain biking. This was the perfect cardio activity…outside and on a bike!

Shortly thereafter I participated in my first race at Beech Mountain. What a challenge! I finished that race and when I got back to Charlotte the hills seemed much easier compared to that mountain. I have been riding and racing ever since. I enjoy the Cane Creek series because it gives you the opportunity to get out of town and ride different courses. My all time favorite is Spartanburg. The local series is a wonderful opportunity to compete on the local level. Although Catawba is my favorite course in town, Frances Beatty has become my favorite race because it is so fast.

When I return to my hometown in Wytheville, Virginia I realize how lucky we have it here. They have the New River Trail which is 57 miles on a former railroad bed and very scenic, but not singletrack. Our trails are well groomed, hard packed, and a joy to ride. It is also great to have so many people to ride with in Charlotte. I was really excited when we formed the Dirt Divas because now I could ride more often with people of my skill level. Obstacles also seem passable when you see another woman do it. We encourage and coach each other every ride.

I still enjoy weight training and trail running, but mountain biking has become my focus.

Cathi Mowery
Co-Vice President

I find it very ironic that I grew up in the mountains of central Pennsylvania but did not take up mountain biking until I moved to Charlotte. It wasn’t until watching the Tour in 2005, that I became inspired to ride regularly with my husband Rod. That was the summer I bought my first gently used bike and donned cleats to improve my riding. Later that Aug., I joined the Divas to find friendship with those who enjoyed our hobby. In 2006, I started racing which I jokingly say was my mid-life crisis. This, my 2nd year, saw me invest more money than I would ever imagine on my very own, very special Titus race bike. I enjoy the challenge and accomplishment of racing as well as traveling to different trails.

Though I was a twirler in high school, I’ve never really had a passion since and mountain biking with the Dirt Divas has certainly filled that void. I only wish I would’ve started riding much earlier. When not working, I wanna ride! But if I can’t, then I’m probably eating ice cream and playing with our dog Sonny.

Tracey Lewis
Co-Vice President

Patricia Boudreau
Treasurer

Sharon Castine
Secretary

I am excited to be back on the Board for the Divas this year as Secretary. As one of the founding members of the club, I understand the commitment it takes to run a big club like the Divas and am looking forward to new adventures this year and meeting so many new women mountain bikers! It is amazing to me that year after year the Divas grow and develop and help women on their biking journey, being racing, casual riding or just making new friends!

I just started my own business after working in the legal field for most of my life, so I have been busy trying to get that off the ground. I am an Independent Representative for Silpada Designs Sterling Silver Jewelry (www.mysilpada.com/sharon.castine). I have 2 great kids, Victoria (she is 13 now!) and Alex who is 6 and I am going to be getting married this year to a wonderful man who has now taken up biking! Whoo Hoo! He has 3 children, Sarah Ashley who is 24, Evan who is 22 and Ryan who is 19, so our family just got a lot bigger! We are building a house on Lake Wylie (Fort Mill side) so we have a lot to get accomplished this year. Besides biking, the family hobbies are wakeboarding, skiing, work out at the Y, and training for the mud challenge in the fall!

Melissa Magann
Ride Coordinator

Shelley Childers
Ride Coordinator

Laura Maddy
Event Planner

Melanie Smith
Webmaster

I began mountain biking in about 2003 when I was introduced to it by my boyfriend. I cried and begged him to please not make me ride my bike on that scary trail. There were roots and rocks and hills - Aaaaah! It does makes sense considering I never rode a bicycle until I was 12 years old. Well, I made it through and have been hooked ever since.

Thanks to the Dirt Divas I have found great teachers and even better friends. I have never had a hobby or been part of a group that I enjoyed so much. I currently own 3 bikes, a full-suspension geared, a hardtail single speed and a road bike. It's addictive!

While I am webmaster for the Dirt Divas, I am also membership coordinator for Piedmont Area Singletrack Alliance (PASA).

Cynthia Lipski
Membership Director

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