Getting to Know: Kaylee Gibb, Backflipping Mother Of 3

May 10, 2018 at 16:27
by Sarah Moore  
Views: 20,099    Faves: 97    Comments: 45



Describe yourself.

I am very outgoing and adventurous, love to work hard to play harder, always trying new things, and a bit feisty at times!


Where are you from and where do you live?


I am from Council Bluffs, Iowa. I have become a Canadian and we now live in Rossland, BC.

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb


How did you get into riding and how long have you been riding?


I ended up going to the Red Bull Rampage in 2004 and got introduced to my future husband, Ryan Gibb. He took me riding for the first time the following summer in Kamloops on Rosehill and I was hooked! I rode here and there until I finally got a bike in 2007. Then I rode off and on for 41/2 years until we started having kids in 2012, our last was born in 2016. This is the first year in a really long time I've been able to ride really hard, focus on progressing my riding, and I've actually started to train!

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What has your biggest accomplishment been?


...besides marrying my best friend or surviving child birth...definitely my first back flip to dirt! I might have been overly optimistic on the jump I decided to try my first back flip on. It was at the old Rampage site, on a longer travel bike, on a decently big step up (27 feet from take off to landing). It took me 3 attempts but I finally landed it!

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What bike(s) are you riding right now?



This year I decided to try something different and get an "all-in-one" kind of bike. Right now I am rocking a Pivot Firebird. I rode 7 weeks at Whistler and managed to get me a photo of the day on it! I have also been training on my Devinci Dirt Jumper and then transferring the tricks I learn over to my Pivot. Shimano has been a great support over the last 10 years, Marzocchi has just come onboard,8 and I am currently in talks with a few different bike brands so we'll see what bike I land on this year.

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Photo by Rob Perry

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb
Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What does a typical day look like for you?


I get up with the kids and make green pancakes/crepes and then we all head to the gym/preschool/daycare and work out until 11:45. I usually ride 5 days a week or train with my airbag. We are living in St. George, Utah over the winter, but I haven't been able to bike since the end of March as I broke my collarbone... But I've only got 2 weeks left before I can get back to it! Then there's making lunch for the kiddos, practicing violin, play dates with the cousins, and usually some kind of outside activity before scraping together dinner and hoping something comes out well... And then after wrangling three young kids into bed I try to get some bookkeeping done while walking on the treadmill and hang out with Ry before passing out! Normal day.


What are your strengths?


Tenacity, resilience and my husband would say how I manage fear.

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What are your weaknesses?


Patience.


What’s been your worst crash over the years?


I've been exceptionally lucky with my huge crashes! The fourth backflip attempt is what has taken me off my bike the longest of any of my crashes. I misjudge the wind and paid the price but it wasn't even close to the most painful crash by any means...just a lame broken collarbone...didn't even know it was broken into 5 pieces until 13 days later when I finally decided to get it checked out. (I may have deadlifted 55lbs with a broken clavicle just a few days after the crash).

photo

Where’s your favorite place to ride?


Whistler and Rossland - I love trees, smooth trails, and big jumps!

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What big projects do you have planned for 2018?


My main focus and almost all my energy will be directed to creating the best segment I can for my husband's next movie. Ryan Gibb (Co-creator of Life Cycles) and Teton Gravity Research are teaming up to create a new mountain bike film that will be released later in 2019. I will begin shooting for my segment during late fall of 2018 and I will be training for my segment until then. Be prepared to be taken into the unknown!


Who is your favorite rider?


I have met some amazing riders over the years being involved with Life Cycles and different biking events, but the person who just puts a smile on my face and I love catching a quick ride with is Brett Tippie. I have never met someone who can put a smile on someone's face so quickly! I dare you to not laugh or smile if you have the chance to meet him! But for straight up riding style that can't be beat, I would say Thomas Vanderham, his whips can take you back in time! He missed his calling as a ballerina! Talk about graceful and inspiring! And one more for the list is, Chelsea Kimball who is a total shredder and helped me out with my backflip over this winter, she has some serious "cojones" (well figurative cojones)!

photo

What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?


I LOVE surfing and anything to do with sunshine and being outside. If we're not on bikes, we're usually found outside making mud potions, picking wild berries, hiking, going to city markets/street fest, or scavenging for the best deals at garages sales on the weekends!


photo

Who or what inspires you?


Jesus, people with disabilities doing amazing things, and music (Pharell Williams, Tribe Called Red, and Calvin Harris are some good ones this year... I love some good bass)


What’s your favorite non-bike website?


Is it shameful to love Amazon and Costco... I find so many good deals! I'm such a mom!

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Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What’s your favorite motto or saying?


I have 2! 1) If you're not happy with what you have, you'll never be happy with what you get. (I grew up with very little and was taught early on to appreciate everything you get!) 2) If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. I watched one of my friends become an alcoholic by 8 years old and both she and her sister became teen moms. I really wanted more out of life than drugs, alcohol, and being a teen mom!


What annoys you?


People talking behind others peoples backs without ever having the nerve to say it to their face, also whining!

photo
Photo by Andrew Moeller
Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What makes you happy?



I love cuddles from my kids, when my husband sends me super corny poems when he's traveling, the feeling of weightlessness when I jump my bike, sunshine, and tasty cold bubbly water!

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

Where do you think the future of freeride is headed?



People are pushing the limits at younger and younger ages! Jumps just keep getting bigger and bigger! I know limits and boundaries are just going to burst rapidly as this sport continues to progress! I know as the popularity grows, maybe slopestyle/gravity riding will eventually become an Olympic sport. Why not? It brings out the best in all sports!

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

What does the future hold for Kaylee Gibb?


What I see in the near future being able to ride in Ryan Gibb's next masterpiece of a movie. He has crafted a segment for me that will allow my life's challenges to be portrayed out as I ride and hopefully set some new records just for fun! My future is full of big bike events, tours with the movie, and possibly MCing events eventually. I would love to set a precedent, in a male-dominated sport, that women can do big things, not only that, but you can start at whatever age you want. I didn't start 'professionally training', with a goal in mind, until I was 32! My forever stance is that you can have a family and still have a career. You can fail and still get up again (with age it hurts more and takes more time, you just have to plan accordingly). It's always a good day to try something new. I will eventually be moving over to the freeride coaching world for women and kids and get to be involved with coaching my own kids as they begin to ride bigger mountain trails! I will also be contributing to large non-profit organizations in fundraising and helping out with local youth poverty, cancer fundraisers, and whatever else comes my way each year. I want to make a difference for my family and those around me. If I can help but one person, I have succeeded.

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

How do you want to be remembered?


I got back up and tried again. Life isn't easy, but I'm sure making it worth it.

Getting to Know Kaylee Gibb

You can follow Kaylee on Instagram, @kayleegibb and find out more about her by visiting her website.

Author Info:
sarahmoore avatar

Member since Mar 30, 2011
1,319 articles

111 Comments
  • 125 0
 She is literally one mother hucker
  • 17 0
 ok, can stop reading, comments wont get better than that
  • 5 2
 Would expect nothing less from the PB comments. smh
  • 4 0
 @VincentWilmotte: lady is happily married dude. You’s got no shot buddy....
  • 4 3
 Ive been happily married for 24 years but i seriously have a crush on this woman.
  • 6 0
 @VincentWilmotte: I'd say something about sexism or how comments like these are one reason why women sometimes feel intimidated to enter the sport. However, I know Kay and know enough about her to know she does not need anyone sticking up for her. She's fearless, driven and tough as hell. Maybe make a comment like that if you ever see her in person and see how well it goes- or....and I believe this one is perhaps easier and safer (Kay could 100% kick my a$$)....think a bit more about your comments in the future. I'm a father of a daughter and I'd be stoked if she could progress in any area of life without her viability as a sexual partner being the first thing commented on.
  • 2 1
 Miss your face SNL - come Visit this summer on your way to the island!!!
  • 1 1
 @kayleefish: No island for us this year. Cruising down to the Redwoods doing the Oregon bike thingy along the way. Stoked to see you on the front page of PB Kay!
  • 3 8
flag scary1 (May 14, 2018 at 12:03) (Below Threshold)
 @snl1200: dude,shut up. Nothing inappropriate was said, whatsoever. So sick of bullshit like this. She is awesome. Grow the fk up
  • 4 0
 @scary1: whoa, Bro. coming in hot without all the facts. The comment both snl and I were referencing has been deleted by the staff because it was in such poor taste. What exactly are you sick of? People standing up and saying something when sexist comments and sexual harassment takes place? please explain.
  • 2 0
 @scary1: Hope your day gets better man. As the slayer of pow noted, my reply was in regards to a specific comment in which something was said. I will agree she is awesome and that I frequently need to grow the fk up. Thanks for the feedback.
  • 3 2
 @snl1200: i never saw the deleted comments and yours was directly under mine. My mistake.
No reason for sexist comments,but who knows what that actually means anymore. Maybe it was obvious and grotesque. I dont know.
But , i am not surprised at all if your comment were to be made to my mild comment. That is the state of things today. It really is,and its old already.
So, my misunderstanding due to incomplete facts.
Thanks for clearing it up
  • 3 2
 @scary1: yeah man I could see how one would be bitter and jaded with the whole womens empowerment movement happening and people being held accountable for there actions thing these days. Ya know, if I was misogynistic in my everyday life and lacked empathy for the women of the world and the things they have been expected to put up with for eternity. oh and I love the way you attempted to buffer your "mild" comment with how long you been married, really cute.
  • 1 4
 @POWsLAYER: see, its this shit im talking about. I stated it was my problem, TWICE. Also stated that I never saw the original comment ,which was not ME.
But,none of that matters ,right? Yeah, you got a point to make and the world is on your team,huh?
If you wouldnt mind, kindly and mildy ,go fck yourself.
  • 1 1
 @scary1: already did, it was wonderful! but I probably will again later, should the mood strike=)
  • 2 0
 @scary1: @POWsLAYER Can’t we all show Kaylee some respect and not turn this into a pissing match of insults?
  • 26 0
 Holy shit that's awesome. I wish I was as good a rider as a mother of three.
  • 18 0
 Hold up. You mean to tell me someone gets on a bike for the first time at 20ish and 10 years later is doing backflips and massive hucks in BC? I mean she had to ride BMX as a kid, or do gymnastics or something?!? Backyard foam pit? Lack of fear? Ryan Gibbs super secret freeride school? Ive wasted 10 years on the bike, apparently! Incredible determination and fearlessness!
  • 11 0
 A lot of belly flops at the swimming pool and a knack for a good hit of adrenaline! I did ride to the pool on my bike some times!
  • 2 1
 you're not the only one...
  • 22 1
 So pinkbike has found the perfect woman!
  • 3 3
 ????
  • 6 0
 Sorry those "?????" were supposed to be a smiley face.
  • 2 0
 I want one Smile
  • 14 2
 I have just shown all the pictures to my daughter Willow....she's just asked if we can go for a ride and find a jump...she is 6
(Grinning from ear to ear)
  • 8 0
 That melts my heart! Rad name for a girl.....you should check out the movie (1980's ) ....our 2 girls...Kya and Alora Danan (we changed it a little) but my all time FAVORITE movie!
  • 10 0
 Great article. Inspiring to see people challenging themselves. We are all never too old to learn new things. Very cool Kaylee.
  • 3 0
 Thanks! That’s how I feel!
  • 8 0
 Great read, Kaylee rocks it! As someone who grew up watching Thor Wixom's Down and Jib movies, Ryan was a rider in some of them before going onto producing videos himself. It's really cool to see him and Kaylee continuing to thrive in the MTB world.
  • 3 0
 I gifted a copy of Jib to one of my nephews when he was a teenager... hoping it planted a few mutant seeds that may germinate in the future!
  • 2 0
 Thanks! I got a proper introduction to the sport!
  • 8 1
 "It took me 3 attempts" Noo why... We want to see all of it! Why just cutting it out and making it look so boring and unrealistic?
  • 6 0
 Well if you really want the carnage footy - its the 9th row on my instagram in the middle - @kayleegibb - it took me off my bike for 6 weeks now and probably another 6....the other crashes were pretty minor not worth posting....
  • 8 0
 ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED
  • 7 0
 I'd love to say how these stories are so inspiring; but, really, they just cement how mundane and inconsequential my life actually is. #notsendingitstillpretendingit
  • 2 0
 funny...I was thinking how inspiring it is in part because of how "mundane" her life is...go reread her response to "typical day" question. Plus she's from Iowa...no offense meant, but it's arguably one of the more ho-hum states. So when I'm making lunches, wrestling kids into bed, etc., I can remember that some folks manage to both embrace the "mundane" but also are not defined by it and chase their dreams. This rocks.
  • 9 0
 Awesome! Wish my wife could do that... Fuck, wish I could do that!!!
  • 5 0
 Rock on Kaylee! I also didn't turn pro until after my first child was born. With a supportive partner anything is possible!! Smile
  • 2 0
 Picking the right person to be by your side can make you the best version of you! LOVE it! Congrats!
  • 4 0
 I didn't turn pro after my firstborn. Or my second. The only reason we're not having another kid is so that I don't turn pro.
  • 1 0
 @rrolly: bahahahhaha
  • 5 0
 Dream women! Like the articulate soccer mom neighbour who manuals past your driveway inviting your family over for a BBQ, nose bonks the curb and pedals home.
  • 2 0
 That's inspiring, keep it up! I always felt for those pro female athletes who approach their thirties and are still very competitive, but also realize that if they want kids it is going to pull them out of competition for a fair while. So I think this story of Kaylee is a great positive note that you can get right up there. Good read!

Could PB also do a (mothers day) article on Vanessa Quinn someday? She still pops up in the results sheets every now but I haven't heard much of her lately. But I do know she's a mom, she's a champ and she's still ripping!
  • 3 1
 wow... Becoming an olympic sport brings out the best in all sports?! Talk to snowboarders. The olympic committee is full of money grubbing old men. This would be the death of this sport, much like it was for snowboarding.

Other than that, big up! Amazing stuff. Need to find me a girl like this!
  • 3 0
 "If you're not happy with what you have, you'll never be happy with what you get." There are so many things to take away from this interview, but this one stands out for me. Thanks for sharing!
  • 3 1
 Seriously whats wrong with you asshats? You should be commenting on what fantastic skill and determination she has. She rides better than most of the keyboard warriors who comment on PB and she has 3 kids!! She's probably heard it all before but grow the $#@! up!
  • 1 0
 So, said they moved to Whistler in the video, but the article says Rossland....
Was the move to Rossland for work, or a strong desire to live in Rossland?

I know there is incredible biking out Kootnay way, but I don't know anyone that moved to Rossland because of it.
  • 2 0
 Ryan actually moved to Rossland during the crappy economic time when they were filming Life Cycles. Mike Hopkins lived there and they had time but no money...so they got a good chunk of the movie filmed really cheap and under the best lighting conditions possible! I moved up after he was already there (another story another time). We own our house there and have been there together since 2008 but we're on the road about 6 months out of the year due to work and family. We moved to Whistler for 7 weeks, then down south for the winter. But if you ask me where home is, I say Rossland...cause that's eventually where we would like to get back to one day after the dust settles on this next movie!
  • 2 0
 @kayleefish: Thank you so much, makes sense with the in depth answer.
But I am so sorry, I didn't mean to pry into your personal life at all!
I just thought Rossland was an odd 'choice', however the meaning behind the choice makes total sense.

Best wishes for a great future, and Happy Mothers Day !
  • 5 1
 LOVED every second of that video, she is awesome. Her husband is such a lucky man... life goals achieved
  • 5 0
 Srsly cute kids. Way to be an inspiration. And Happy Mother's Day!
  • 1 0
 Thnx!
  • 1 0
 @kayleefish: Hey Kylee, those girls deserve a MacRide seat (sorry for the ad)
  • 1 0
 @LuisCR: for sure so we can make history with the first doubles backflip ;P
  • 1 0
 @kayleefish: on a tandem bike, I presume
  • 1 0
 @kjjohnson: Oh no on one of those seats he posted there it’s one with a sit in front of you on it but a tandem bike would be pretty cool to
  • 5 0
 That was super dope
  • 4 0
 Awesome article, actually made me read the whole thing.
  • 4 0
 Wow that was great, keep it up!
  • 4 0
 Gnar Mom ....level, One billion!
  • 4 0
 Great inspiration to your kids and husband!
  • 3 0
 Well, my riding sure feels suddenly inadequate and downright lame. Amazing write up!!!
  • 2 0
 Thats how I feel when I watch Casey Brown or Chelsea Kimball - girls who shred are intimidating!
  • 4 0
 Thats wicked. Happy moms day Smile
  • 1 0
 Thnx!
  • 4 0
 Ah, here we have found the elusive unicorn.
  • 2 0
 ooohhhhh ...maybe we'll call the movie chasing unicorns!!!!
  • 4 0
 adopt me please! Smile
  • 3 0
 You know....I considered adoption possibly later on in life when my kids are a bit older ...but as of now 3 little kids and one big one is about all I can handle ....and the nanny job just got filled!! Maybe in another few years;p
  • 3 0
 Well, thats awesome. Very cool story
  • 3 0
 That video is so Rad and awesome story!!! Keep riding, Kaylee!!!
  • 1 0
 Man alive, I wish I was that cool. It only took me 36 years to learn to wheelie and manual, so maybe I'll be backflipping by 70?
  • 1 0
 "People with disabilities doing amazing things".My friend,i couldn't agree more!
  • 2 0
 We just got done watching Nitro Circus with Bruce Cook doing his backflip on his crazy concocted FMX bike - lets just say I about bawled my eyes out watching his video on the big screen! "You can take the dog out of the fight, but you can't take the fight out of the dog!" What an amazing guy!
  • 2 0
 Dayum, adopt spqrtomas please.
  • 2 0
 That is beyond awesome! Congrats on the family and the backflip Kaylee!
  • 2 0
 Nice, tha's pretty cool!! One Rad Lady!!!
  • 2 0
 I really like the story of love and bicycles. Well done PB.
  • 3 0
 So cool!
  • 1 0
 I was on the lift with this lady last season right after she hit Crabapple for the 1st time, she gets stoked!
  • 2 0
 Was that the ride up that we were talking about what it felt like after landing it? Cause that was a hilarious conversation!
  • 1 0
 @kayleefish: ohh yes haha, that’s right! Lol forgot about that! Something about hitting Crabapple for the 1st time being better than your wedding night cuz hubby was hammered haha good times!
  • 1 0
 @kayleefish: Happy Mother’s Day and congrats on the backflip and write up! Keep sharing the stoke!
  • 2 0
 @DirtMcGuirk07: everyone was trying to chime in on what its like...losing your virginity (mine was my wedding night and my husband was violently ill and barfed for 8 hours straight) graduating college (they sent me my associates degree in an email) doing coke(I've never done any drugs)....and no one on the lift was really going to understand giving birth and the crazy shakes you get after ....lol.....what a convo......
  • 3 0
 @kayleefish: landing your first backflip is better than coke, er, I mean that's what a friend of mine said. Up with hope, down with dope. Stay in school kids.
  • 2 0
 So I think I'm in love. Just saying.
  • 1 0
 What an inspirational video and article! You rock Kaylee, follow those dreams!
  • 2 0
 Its helps to have an inspired husband who is super talented as well=)
  • 1 0
 The world needs more women like this. Such an inspiration for female (and male) riders.
  • 4 0
 We bear some of that responsibility @sixstringsteve women need to know that us men are supportive of this path, and that we desire to have them alongside for the ride. Its a sometimes difficult and intimidating sport to jump into.
  • 1 0
 Yeah Kay! Can't wait to shred with you again some day. The Kootenays misses the Gibb posse!
  • 1 0
 How awesome! Thank you for sharing your experiences. We live in St. George; love to have my wife meet you sometime!
  • 1 0
 This is awesome! Also love the pics of Awakener and the Diving Board! Major props for sure.
  • 2 0
 Awesome!
  • 1 0
 ryan gibb is doing a new film ! what a year !
  • 1 0
 oops....ya I guess the cat out of the bag on that one....it is official! The filming starts in June! Be ready for it 2019 fall!!!
  • 2 0
 Sign her!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Damn i feel inadequate
  • 1 0
 Kaylee your always going at 300% Salmo looks up up too you...
  • 1 0
 awe thanks!....is this my old plumber by any chance....
  • 1 0
 You definately have it figured out!
  • 1 0
 Yeah...umm... I suck at mountain biking
  • 1 0
 Life's balance... Great work Kaylee!
  • 2 1
 Love the thrill she expresses after landing it - that's infectious!
  • 2 0
 Yeah! Kick ass!
  • 1 1
 That was so rad and inspiring. If I had to guess, I would say this amazing women is mormon. I could be wrong.
  • 1 1
 a rare woman indeed.
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