"I am no longer considered a girl on a bike by my friends."

Name:
Michelle Stopper

Date of birth:
12/31/1977

Where you grew up and live now:
Central PA

College:
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

How long have you been riding / racing mountain bikes / road?
I bought my first bike in 1995 and used it for transportation in college. Started racing in 2005.

Your biggest accomplishments in cycling:

• '06 2nd place M.A.S.S XC Series
• '06 2nd place Wilderness 101
• '06 5th place Iron Cross
• '07 1st place M.A.S.S Endurance Series Winner
• '07 3rd place Iron Cross

Bikes:

• Gary Fisher Ziggurat
• Gary Fisher Pro-Caliber
• Redline Conquest Pro (cross/road bike)

Worst crashes:
I fractured my shoulder blade amongst other scrapes and bruises during a road ride.

Worst ride ever:
Never. Each ride teaches me something about myself.

Why you like to ride in PA:
I like seasonal changes of weather and woods. PA provides that for me for me as well as diverse terrain to train and enjoy. I spend a lot of time in Bald Eagle State Forest and have been spending more time at R.B. Winter State Park and Rothrock State Park. There are so many trails and rides in PA, it’s hard to pin down one that I would consider my favorite. I’m fortunate to live in such a great place.

Favorite races:

• Wilderness 101: Coburn, PA
• Rocktober Mountain Bike Challenge: R.B. Winter State Park
• Curse of the Dark Hollow: Michaux State Forest