Annijke (she/her) is a new adaptive mountain biker and athlete.
In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident.
In 2022, Annijke is back to sport and is learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user.
Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all.
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Show notes
Who is Annijke
Starting mountain biking in 2019
Learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user
Returning to sport and mountain biking
What Annijke was like as little girl
Starting ballet at 3 years old
Having a keen interest for the arts
Starting to interact with the natural world
Being exposed to the outdoors through her Girl Scouts Troop
Being adopted at 2 months old
Going to college and taking a step back from dance
Wanting to try new things in the outdoors
Studying environmental studies with a concentration on political science
Getting into mountain biking
Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico
Buying her first bike - DiamondBack HardTail
Being intimidated by other mountain bikers
Falling in love with the sport and why she loves it
Enjoying the community and being supported
Riding a BowHead Reach Bike - full suspension, all-electric off-road adaptive trike that has two wheels in front, and one in back
2022 - Getting back to sport and why it’s been so fulfilling
The incredible amount of support through her community
Being a sponsored Athlete - with PEARL iZUMi
Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association Adaptive Mountain Biking advocacy, trails, programming and rentals in British Columbia and beyond.
What does advocacy look like in this space
Being intentional about what she does
“I want to be on an adaptive mountain bike and this is what I want my life to look like”
Going after a Para FKT on the White Rim Trail in Oct 2022
Josie Fouts - Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling! IG: @ms.stubbornness
100 mile desert ride in Canyonlands, National Park, Moab, Utah.
Trying not to get too attached to the outcome
Dealing with mechanical issues
Broadening the conversation about access and opportunity in the outdoors
Tread Setters is a film project that highlights 5 para-cyclists riding the White Rim Trail while balancing the mental, emotional and social aspects of advocacy.
Is the White Rim Trail Accessible? Why it’s yes and no.
Needing people to support her due to the nature of the trail and the remoteness
Why being outdoors might look a little bit different
Wanting to become an Adaptive Mountain Biking Coach - (BICP)
Wanting to share mountain biking with others and create a welcoming environment
Plans for 2023
Connect with Annijke
Where does her Instagram handle come from
What is a Geospatial Professional?
Final words of advice and wisdom
Social Media
Website annijkewade.com
Instagram @geodesicdome
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