How I Actually Stay on Track (Even When Life is Full)

One of the most common questions I get from women in our community is:
“How do you make time for your rides?”

And the honest answer is… I just do.

I’ve come to see my mountain bike rides as sacred time. They’re not just exercise, they’re how I connect with myself, my friends, and the Crank Queens community. Like you, I’m juggling a lot: family, work, responsibilities. I’m not a Tour de France rider getting paid by sponsors. I ride because it fuels me. And because of that, I protect that time.

Here’s how I actually make it work:

1. It’s on the calendar. Period.

Every Crank Queens ride and clinic? It goes on my calendar.
My weekly rides with one of my closest friends? On the calendar.

Summer is especially hectic, with travel and shifting routines. But we still make it happen by planning ahead.

Same goes for my workouts. They are blocked in the middle of the day and nothing gets scheduled over them.

2. I plan my food like it matters, because it does.

Every week, I carve out time for meal planning and prep. I make sure my nutrition is dialed so I’m not scrambling to figure out lunch or crashing mid-ride.

I always stock up on key Costco items to fuel my training. (If you haven’t downloaded my Nutrition Guide, it’s all in there!)

Even when I travel, I try to schedule flights around workouts and bring my healthy staples with me. These things have become non-negotiables.

3. I plan for setbacks with "If/Then" strategies.

When the weather is too hot or rainy to ride, I don’t scrap my plans, I pivot.

I use the If/Then planning tool I teach in my programs:
“If I can’t ride outside, then I’ll hit the gym, trainer, or strength session instead.”

Having a backup plan means I stay consistent even when life doesn’t cooperate.

4. I invest in my riding, because it matters to me.

Making an investment in your riding goes beyond gear. For me, it’s also been skills clinics, retreats, and time to really focus. That’s not always easy at the start, especially when you’re new. But you can build over time.

I’ve seen the difference a quality bike or the right gear can make for someone just getting started. It boosts confidence and makes the ride so much more enjoyable.

I try to make it accessible, often loaning my own bikes to new riders in our programs. I always encourage women to pick a few things each season to invest in. When you put dollars toward your goals, you signal to your brain: This matters. I’m committed.

5. I root it in my identity.

At the end of the day, I ride because I want to live a long, healthy, independent life.

So if you're struggling to stay consistent, I encourage you to ask:
Do you see yourself as a mountain biker? An athlete? Someone worth investing in?

Because you are. But until your identity lines up with your goals, it’ll always feel hard. You’ll be relying on feelings instead of your values.

Ready to stay consistent this season?

You don’t need to overhaul everything, just start with a few small shifts. Calendar your rides. Plan your meals. Make a small investment in your skills or gear. And, most importantly, decide who you want to be.

Because this version of you? She’s already on her way.


Want to join one our upcoming rides? Check out our event calendar here.

Have questions? Send over an email I’d love to answer them all!