MOUNTAIN BIKER: Jari Kirkland
Kirkland holds records at two of the world’s most demanding bike races: 24 Hours of Moab and Montezuma’s Revenge. The 30-year-old Crested Butte-y was a collegiate swimmer who turned her ability to pedal forever into a career. She recently discovered a passion for adventure racing during last summer’s freakishly grueling Primal Quest outside Moab. She’s now a member of the superstar Team Crested Butte adventure racing crew.
What was it about last year’s Primal Quest that got you stoked for adventure racing?
I love the challenge. I love to push myself, doubt myself and come out the better person/athlete on the other side.
When’s the first time you realized you had some gift for endurance?
I am still not sure that I have the gift, but I want it and will do whatever I need to get it.
What is your best training technique?
Making it fun.
What was your worst injury?
I tore all my ligaments and tendons and cracked my right shoulder and joint in a crazy, freak, cross country skiing accident, and then finished it off surfing.
Most frightening moment?
Crashing my road bike on the highway and being missed by a truck by a few inches.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
One step at a time and telling myself about 1 million times that I love it.
What is the sickest thing you have ever seen?
My crumpled-up road bike after my crash.
Whom do you admire most?
My mom.
Any music that revs you up for a big contest?
Eminem.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
“You can do it.” And I actually believed it.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
I can push my body far beyond what my mind thinks.
