Life and Work with Joanna Yates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Yates.

Joanna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started mountain biking in 2011 in Slatyfork, West Virginia. And just like any newbie on the bike, I wasn’t very good. I would fall a lot and get discouraged. I had zero technical skills and would beat myself up physically (from falling so much) and mentally on almost every ride. Most of my riding back then was with a lot of guys that were better than me and it was challenging to try and keep up.

In 2012, I attended a Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic that was hosted by Sue Haywood (Pro Mountain Bike Racer). This changed my riding AND mindset. I gained an understanding of the fundamentals and began to build confidence on the bike. I started to really love being on my mountain bike and did a lot of solo riding in the backcountry of Slatyfork and Snowshoe. More time on the bike really helped me dial in my skills and focus on becoming better.

In 2013, I volunteered with Snowshoe Mountain’s Women’s Downhill weekend. Woah. I never felt so at home on my bike. The bike park was full of new challenges for me and delivered a more playful feel. I met other women who were riding bigger features and pushing themselves to become better riders. This inspired me to race some local races and push my own skill level.

As my riding progressed, I decided to take my passion and share it with others by getting certified to coach. I got my coaching certification and began working for Snowshoe’s Bike Park Instructor program.

In 2017, my husband and I moved to Sedona, Arizona to ride our bikes full time and live a more simple life. I now work for Hermosa Tours as a mountain bike guide and coach for several different companies such as: Grit Clinics, Ninja Mountain Bike Performance and Sedona Mountain Bike Academy.

I get paid to ride my bike. I like to think about the struggle of being the beginner all those years ago has really paid off. I am always learning and looking for ways to improve. I only hope to inspire others to do the same! Mountain biking has become such a huge part of my life and has taught me some really valuable life lessons. Don’t give up!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have had some setbacks on my bike due to injury. It’s never a fun experience to crash on your mountain bike or get hurt. I try to prevent that from happening in my own riding and while coaching by emphasizing being in control. Faster isn’t exactly better in my opinion, being smooth and in control is where it’s at–speed will naturally come.

Don’t be afraid to be the “newbie” or beginner. We were all there once. I didn’t just wake up one day and hit four-foot drops on my bike, there was a progression!

Go to a clinic, learn the fundamentals and then ride your bike… a lot. Practice your skills! And reach out to other women who have experience. I believe riding with people who are better than you can help you become better. I think we tend to think that everyone will look at us differently if we can’t ride certain features or we walk our bike… it’s all a part of the learning process. Just like training wheels.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Most days, I am a mountain bike tour guide for Hermosa Tours, in Sedona, Arizona. It’s a small business that is based out of Durango, Colorado. However, they have an outfit in Sedona that is run out of Over The Edge Bike Shop. I mostly guide clients on a half day or full day rides depending on their skill level. I love guiding because I get to meet and ride with so many amazing people and show them the beauty of Sedona.

I coach for several different companies such as: Grit Clinics, Ninja Mountain Bike Performance and Sedona Mountain Bike Academy. I also provide private coaching sessions, these are my favorite because I really get to focus in on the clients riding and progression. It’s crazy the amount of progress you can make on the bike in just a couple of hours!

My style of coaching is clear and to the point, we’ll have fun and you won’t feel like I’m just ‘talking at you.’

But, more importantly, you’ll progress! Whether it’s riding more technical terrain or hitting your first jump, you will become a better rider.

In my “free time”, I also teach some local yoga classes at Over The Edge Bike shop at certain times of the year. They are cycling specific and can have a huge impact on your riding.

Who have you been inspired by?
Wow! That’s a big question. There are so many women that have played a huge roll in my cycling journey. It’s part of why I love the sport. Sue Haywood, Angie Weston, Lindsey Richter, Hannah Levine, Bernadette Merriman, Pat Rehberg, Kelly Hazelgrove, Hillary Marques… just to name a few. (All amazing coaches!) These ladies have inspired me to work on my skills as a coach and rider, but also to share the love with others.

I’m also really inspired by the ladies that attend my clinics and trust me enough to teach them about a sport that can sometimes be really scary. You ladies are the REAL MVP!

Contact Info:

• Website: hermosatours.net
• Email: joannajyates@gmail.com
• Instagram: joannajyates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtbyogini
• Other: www.shredthered.com

Image Credit:
Thurston Willis from willisphotography.com

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