2022: What a wild ride.

As we welcome in the new year and wonder how on earth it has come around so quickly, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on 2022 because crikey, what a ride it has been.

Not only did myself and the brand move countries, covid came knocking at my door, twice, I cried A LOT but laughed even more and discovered all that the UK mountain bike scene has to offer.  

There has not been a year that has challenged me as much as 2022 did, not only was it full of incredible highs, but some devastating lows snuck in too, threatening to kill the stoke, but they did not prevail.

Here is a rundown of what kept Shred Like a Girl going in 2022.

The Biz Highs

#1 We headed to MTB events across the UK

Last year we headed to our very first mountain bike event as a brand, Dirt sisters of Shred in Exeter and what a learning curve that was. Imagine clothing racks falling apart and a marquee trying to sail off into the distance. All the gear, no idea. Despite this we had the BEST time chatting to people. Hearing women getting excited about our products and listening to feedback from our community on things we could improve on was just the best, it made all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it and gave us an immense feeling of pride. We loved it so much we then went to 6 more events across the UK after that, Wowzas!  

2023 is set to be even bigger and better, check out our 2023 MTB event list to see where we are headed and get signed up. We are adding to this all the time so keep checking back. It'd be great to see you there. 

#2 We launched loads of new products

We launched an insane number of new products last year! Including new designs in our casual tees, toasty warm hoodies, the comfiest women's MTB shorts in the world and our ever popular youth tees! We've got even more planned for this year, so keep your eyes peeled! 

#3 We are sponsoring female riders

Giving back to the female MTB community is at the heart of Shred Like a Girl. We look for any opportunity to bring riders together, share knowledge and inspire women and girls to ride their bikes, because let’s face it, bikes are the best. This year we are beyond stoked to be in a position to sponsor some very talented girls. We can’t wait to support them and help them to chase their MTB passions and dreams.  

The Personal Highs

2022 was huge for me personally; I moved countries, I changed jobs and I rode at 35 different riding spots. Sorry bank balance. 

#1 I moved to the UK from Australia

Moving my life from Australia to the UK would have been hard enough on its own, but add in the extra layer of a global pandemic and working remotely PLUS running a business, yikes, it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. It meant starting from scratch, testing my resilience and building up my life again. Although it was a challenge, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made and I now couldn't imagine moving back to Aus. (Please don't tell my mum).

#2 I found my people

I've made friends with the most wonderful group of women that could possibly exist. I'm convinced that they could rule the world if they chose to. Even though I've only known them for a short time, I've never felt so supported, loved and comfortable and I can't wait to see where we'll take our MTB adventures this year. 

#3 I learned what is important to me

I chose to take a step back in my career to focus on my true passions and what ultimately made me feel happy.  I took a step back from my management responsibilities, leaving the Australian engineering firm I was working for and returned to the OG company I started my career with, but this time working from their London office.  

#4 I found my favourite place to ride - Dyfi Bike Park 

If you've met me, you'll know that I can only go about 5 minutes before I start talking about Dyfi. It has my heart. Nowhere else makes me feel as confident on a bike, makes me smile as big or giggle nervously from near-death experiences like Dyfi does. I try to go as much as I can and often dream about living nearby and riding there everyday, sneakily building a hut in the forest hoping the Athertons won’t notice me foraging around. Maybe one day, but for now, I will just talk about it all the time and find any excuse to go. Keep your eyes peeled for our birthday social ride being held here in Feb!

Thank you 2022 for everything you have given me and taught me. I knew I loved bikes but you have shown me just how much they are part of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported myself and the brand over the past year too. I can't wait to see what 2023 has in store for us and we hope to see you on the trails soon! 

- Shawnee ❤