Age: 27
Location (State/Province): Indiana, United States
Sport(s): Mountain Biking
Instagram Handle: @kmhammel31
What does SheShredsCo mean to you?
Being a part of SheShredsCo has been one of the best things to have happened to me. It's about making connections with other women who are breaking barriers and taking name. It's about support and friendships and the opportunities that those connections can give to us. SheShredsCo is more than just clothes, it's the women who design them, wear them, and love them!
How did you get hooked on your favorite action sport(s)?
My mom bought me a super cheap mongoose she found at a garage sale and probably a couple weeks later I took it to the local mountain bike trail and attempted my first ever trail ride with a local mountain biking group. It was the ugliest thing ever and some of the guys were like kinda laughing that they would never see me again. Well, I came back every day that week and practiced and now I sometimes lead group rides! It's the greatest feeling ever to work on something that you couldn't do and see the progress and it is what makes me really love mountain biking.
What challenges do you face being a female in the sport?
I think it is more about finding other women who are competing in races. It's never fun to win by default, and getting to hang out and get to know all the people you are racing with is my absolute favorite thing.
Where is the most unusual or exciting place you have done your sport?
The most exciting place has to be Bentonville, Arkansas currently. I was overwhelmed with all the different choices and the different styles of trails that I had to choose from. I only had 2 days there, so I missed out on a lot, but what I did ride makes me wanting to go back right away!
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
So many to choose from, but I think instead of moment it's more of a feeling. When you are trying a new feature or jump, it's a rush when you nail it. And I replay that feeling all the time whenever I can.
Who/what are your inspirations?
I pretty think that anyone who goes out and puts in the hard work and gives it their all, they are an inspiration to me. But to name a few, I would have to say Sonya Looney is a huge person I admire. I am in love with the awesomeness of Reggie Miller. And Kayley Burdine gives me the motivation to work harder at what I want because it is doable if you put the time and effort in.
Favorite thing about SheShreds products?
My favorite thing is the fact that it's amazing how our voices are heard to make the products, the designs we submit are turned into amazing clothes, and you can tell that Gina loves her job and wants us to give our input.