Vikki Salmela: Mountain Bike

2007 RACING AGE: 49

RESIDENCE: Northridge, CA

WHERE I GO MONDAY MORNING: Up to my office or down to my studio. I'm lucky enough to be a self-employed textile designer.

RACING DISCIPLINE(S) AND CATEGORY(S): Beginner Downhill, except at Downieville Classic where they have no beginner category, so I race Sport Downhill. I'd like to try a Super D. And woman's only day at Big Bear

# OF YEARS RACING: 7 on and off

# OF BIKES OWNED: 1 - Santa Cruz Bullit. It's taught me to trust the bike.

FAVORITE BIKE: Until my toy box gets bigger, and our bike rack longer, it's the Bullit.

FAVORITE TRAIL OR RIDE: Mt. Pinos Trail in Southern CA, but I'm always looking for a new favorite.

NON-CYCLING INTERESTS/HOBBIES: X-Country Skiing, gardening, traveling, good food with good friends and having fun with my dogs and husband outdoors.

PERSONAL NOTES & QUOTES: Take risks. Tomorrow you may not be able to do what you could do today. I have loved biking as long as I can remember. I've missed it lately, due to Lyme disease. It has made me listen to my body, and my heart monitor! Thank you Bikeman for supporting me in my battle and helping me take the risk.