Loeka Rider Amber Zirnhelt talks Biking and Passion to Build Esteem

Sharing my passion for mountain biking is something that comes easy. It makes me grin from ear to ear and energizes me. This year, I have become the newest member of Canada’s Esteem Team and have the opportunity to share my passion for riding with youth in schools.The Esteem Team is a team of professional athletes, primarily Olympic competitors and National Team members that travel across Canada speaking to youth. We use our experience in our sports to talk about goal setting and realizing your dreams.

In the past week I’ve had the opportunity to speak with over 600 kids in elementary and high schools in Kamloops and Williams Lake, BC. One of the highlights of my speaking tour was having the principal at one of the elementary schools set-up a drop for me off of a school bench made into a ramp leading up to a 4 foot table. I have to admit, despite my love for stunts, I thought it looked a bit sketchy and was nervous that I might end up in a heap on the gym floor. Thanks to luck - it all worked out okay, and the kids just loved it!


Being part of the Esteem Team is just one way that being a pro DH racer enables me to give back to the community. When I talk with youth I share my passion for riding – the challenges, the scary times and the fun times of being a pro athlete. I have the opportunity to talk to youth about the importance of focus, determination and attitude. I tell them about how I didn’t used to be sporty and I’d try to get out of PE because I wasn’t good at it - until I found biking and stopped being afraid to play sports. I talk to them about finding your passion, that thing that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning, by not being afraid to try new things.



My challenge to the youth – and a challenge I'd like to leave everyone with is: Don’t be afraid to dream. Go chase your passion. And when you find it, don’t let it go.

I would like to thank my sponsors for helping me get to where I am,thanks to Brodie, Loeka, MRP, Maxxis, Race Face, Crankbros, Bumblebar, Nuun, Parktool, Squirt Lube, and Fox Racing Protective Gear.

Ride Hard,
Live Free
Amber

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