Annijke (she/her) is a new adaptive mountain biker and athlete.    In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident.    In 2022, Annijke is back to sport and is learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user.    Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all.   New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out.    To support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media. Sign up as a Patron -  www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you.      Show Notes Who is Annijke Starting mountain biking in 2019 Learning how to live as a full time wheelchair user Returning to sport and mountain biking What Annijke was like as little girl  Starting ballet at 3 years old Having a keen interest for the arts Starting to interact with the natural world Being exposed to the outdoors through her Girl Scouts Troop  Being adopted at 2 months old  Going to college and taking a step back from dance  Wanting to try new things in the outdoors Studying environmental studies with a concentration on political science  Getting into mountain biking  Moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico Buying her first bike - DiamondBack HardTail  Being intimidated by other mountain bikers Falling in love with the sport and why she loves it Enjoying the community and being supported Riding a BowHead Reach Bike - full suspension, all-electric off-road adaptive trike that has two wheels in front, and one in back 2022 - Getting back to sport and why it’s been so fulfilling  The incredible amount of support through her community Being a sponsored Athlete - with PEARL iZUMi  High Fives Foundation Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association  Adaptive Mountain Biking advocacy, trails, programming and rentals in British Columbia and beyond.  Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP)  What does advocacy look like in this space Being intentional about what she does  “I want to be on an adaptive mountain bike and this is what I want my life to look like” Going after a Para FKT on the White Rim Trail in Oct 2022  Josie Fouts - Mad scientist on a mission to single-handedly save the world with cycling! IG: @ms.stubbornness  National Abilities Centre Outride Foundation  100 mile desert ride in Canyonlands, National Park, Moab, Utah. Trying not to get too attached to the outcome Dealing with mechanical issues  Broadening the conversation about access and opportunity in the outdoors Tread Setters is a film project that highlights 5 para-cyclists riding the White Rim Trail while balancing the mental, emotional and social aspects of advocacy. Is the White Rim Trail Accessible? Why it’s yes and no. Needing people to support her due to the nature of the trail and the remoteness  Why being outdoors might look a little bit different Wanting to become an Adaptive Mountain Biking Coach - (BICP) Adaptive Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Wanting to share mountain biking with others and create a welcoming environment Plans for 2023 Sea Otter Classic Mountain Biking Race, Monterey, California, USA Connect with Annijke  Where does her Instagram handle come from What is a Geospatial Professional? Final words of advice and wisdom   Social Media   Website annijkewade.com    Instagram @geodesicdome