For Jen, weekends were once synonymous with rugged trails, the crunch of gravel beneath her feet, and the thrill of exploration. With her partner and kids by her side, she tackled every obstacle with unwavering resolve, finding solace and joy amidst the beauty of nature.

But life had other plans for Jen. In June 2021, a sudden and unforeseen event—a spinal cord injury—brought her trail running days to an abrupt halt. In the face of adversity, Jen clung to the hope of returning to the trails, believing that with determination and rehabilitation, she could overcome any obstacle. However, what followed was a period of uncertainty and challenges that tested her resilience like never before.

Yet, true to her adventurous spirit, Jen refused to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery and rediscovery, embracing adaptive sports as a means of reconnecting with the outdoors. Among these, adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) emerged as a beacon of hope and possibility.

Guided by the supportive community at Outdoor Mindset, Jen found the courage to pursue her passion once again. With the help of local OM Ambassador and trail guide Peter, she ventured to the legendary Hydrocut trail network, where she experienced the exhilaration of riding through rugged terrain once more. This incredible experience fueled her determination to push the boundaries even further.

In August 2023, Jen embarked on her most audacious challenge yet—the SBTgrvl race in Steamboat Springs, CO. With the support of an Outdoor Mindset Adventure Scholarship, she set out to conquer the trails with a fierce determination that knew no bounds. Despite facing major surgeries and medical setbacks along the way, Jen approached each obstacle with unwavering resolve, proving that she was not just a participant in life, but a true champion of the human spirit.

Jen's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of adventure that resides within each of us. Through her remarkable story, she reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, we have the strength within us to overcome, to thrive, and to embrace life's greatest adventures with open arms.