LOCATION: Bend, OR and my van all over the continent during race season.
INSTAGRAM: @emmamaaranen
FAVORITE GU PRODUCT: Tropical Roctane Energy Drink Mix
FAVORITE ENERGY GEL FLAVOR: Cola Liquid Energy
FAVORITE NUTRITION HACK
I chop my strop waffles into six pie pieces, about 25cal bites, and put them in my jersey pocket for long endurance rides. They are easy to grab, the right size to chew while working hard, and help me keep eating the whole time I’m riding. No stopping, no wrapper to accidentally loose, and its nice to have some substance to eat to go along with my drink mix for those looooong days.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT'S YOUR WHY?
I have been told I was too old through my entire professional bike career that started in my 30’s. Fifteen years later I am still a force in the pro MTB peloton. How I get fast changes with time, but I am fast to be sure. Being curious about what is possible and questioning assumptions on aging athletes lights my fire.
HOW ARE YOU DOING GOOD IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
I am the Bend Chapter Representative of Central Oregon Trail Alliance. In this volunteer roll I advocate for mountain bike trails, ensure they endure for generations, are accessible for diverse users, support our volunteers steward over 500 miles of singletrack, and get my hands dirty plenty putting shovel to ground.