Where Fear Turns Into Forward Motion: Why This Ride Means Everything to Me

Where Fear Turns Into Forward Motion: Why This Ride Means Everything to Me

There’s a reason this ride matters to me, and it goes far beyond the trail.

This ride at Fort Ord National Monument on April 25th is about helping women move through fear. But if I’m being honest, it’s also about honoring everything that mountain biking has given me… and continues to give me right now.

Because this sport didn’t just change how I ride.

It changed how I live.

Why I Do This

Mountain biking came into my life when I needed something real—something grounding.

I’ve lived through abandonment. I’ve been adopted. I’ve worked through pain and loss that shaped who I am.

And out on the trail, I found a way to process it.

The bike taught me things no one else could:

• How to stay steady when life feels uncertain

• How to move through fear instead of avoiding it

• How to trust myself—even when I feel unready

Those lessons didn’t stay on the trail.

I’ve been carrying them into my everyday life for nearly two decades now.

And I can say this clearly:

Without mountain biking, I would not be as strong as I am today.

Strength Built One Pedal Stroke at a Time

I’m a single mom of three. I run and own my own business. I show up every day and make things happen.

That strength was built, ride after ride.

Every climb taught me resilience. Every descent taught me trust. Every ride reminded me that growth comes from showing up, even when it’s hard.

And that’s what I want to pass on.

Beginning Again, On My Own

There’s another layer to this ride…one that’s very real for me right now.

I’m stepping into a new chapter, moving away from my old ride partner and learning how to be my own ride partner.

Standing on my own. Riding on my own. Trusting myself in a whole new way.

And honestly? It feels like being a beginner again.

But this time, it’s different.

This time, I have the tools. I have the awareness. And I have the strength I’ve built over years of showing up.

Right now, mountain biking is helping me stay anchored.

It’s keeping me from losing sight of what matters. It’s reminding me who I am. It’s holding my strength and resilience steady while I grow into this next version of myself.

And that’s part of why this ride matters so much.

Because I know what it feels like to start again.

Why I Said Yes to This Ride

This all started with a simple ask—from a friend I’ve worked with before.

We’ve already created incredible progress together. Real confidence. Real breakthroughs.

And when she said she wanted to ride with me again, at Fort Ord, I didn’t hesitate.

Because I love this.

I love showing up for my people. I love creating space for women to grow. And I love witnessing that exact moment when fear turns into belief.

This ride is for her. And it’s for you, too.

What Happens Out There

We don’t just ride. We connect. We laugh about snacks and Gatorade at the tailgate. We talk through the ride before we even start.

And then we take it one step at a time. I’ll guide you through it, not pushing, not overwhelming, just steady, grounded support as you stretch into something new.

Because when you feel safe, you’re willing to try.

And when you try, everything changes.

A Story That Says It All

Here’s what that looks like in real life. This is Tabatha, from the South Bay:

“All my husband wanted to do was ride with me. Help me feel comfortable riding and have no fear but I fought him every step of the way. Looking back I don't know why but maybe he would be a little firm with me and my body would clinch up and say heck no!

But when Liz came into my life and we sat on the tailgate putting our shoes on talking about snacks and Gatorade and where we were going to ride I had such peace.

She would walk me through the ride as we would go and my fear would go still being challenged. She would stretch me but I felt her safe behind me that I could do it.

I would end up doing it and now ride rides I would normally walk down getting upset with my husband. He is so proud of me! Liz changed my life on and off the bike!”

That’s why this matters.

Not just stronger riders. Stronger women.

This Is Your Invitation

If you’ve been holding back… If fear has been louder than your confidence… If you’ve been wanting to ride but didn’t want to do it alone…Come join us.

Whether you’re just starting out, or starting again, there’s a place for you here.

Because I’m right there with you, in my own way… beginning again, too.

It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be real. And it might just change something for you.

I hope to see you there

Spots are limited, and registration closes April 20.

Sign up now: https://www.lizdonahey.com/fort-ord-womens-mtb-ride