Willow Koerber's Bio

It seems like I was born into the perfect family at the perfect time to become a mountain bike racer. Since I can remember, I was always pushing things to the edge. My uncle likes to tell a story about how when I was learning to walk, I repeatedly fell down entire flights of stairs, only to get up and do it over and over again.

I have been getting up after falling down, in life and mountain biking, ever since.

I used to love jumping off things and have my Dad catch me. So trusting was I, that at five years old, twenty feet up in the air I yelled “Dad catch me!” It didn’t matter to me that he was not near the tree. He jokingly shouted, “go ahead!” I did, and realized that with no one to catch me, the fall can hurt.

So began life’s lessons. I have never been far from a challenge, and even though they are usually painful, they have shaped and molded me into who I am today.

My Dad would always have some new concoction to try on our training rides and races. For example, cayenne pepper water for hot days, bee pollen for energy, and magic tricks like “dread-locking”. His theory was that if you took all the “dread” out the race and “locked” it up, you could turn it into energy on race day.

When I was 11, I created the OTP; Olympic Training Program. I made all my brothers and sisters compete in various events and train for the “Olympics”. I even created files for imaginary people who of course, were my easiest clients.

When I was 13, and my brother Sam was 10, we did a metric century. We thought my Dad would ride with us, but at the start he wrapped a PowerBar around our top-tube and said “see you guys at the finish!”

My family is my best team. They are the sickest riders and toughest critics. They also DO catch me when I fall, even if it doesn’t sound like it so far!

I moved from sport to sport before discovering mountain biking. Gymnastics was my first love, but not my only! I played Little League with the boys, co-ed soccor and vollyball, basketball and even the high jump! I ran lots of running races and competed in a few triathalons and traveled with a circus- like gymnastic team. I was the “top” which meant I was tossed over three-highs, and placed precariously on top of human pyramids.

I have been lucky enough to travel the world during my mountain bike career. My favorite race-course of all time is in St. Felician, Quebec Canada. So far, the most spectacular scenery has been in the Patagonia region of Argentina. My favorite vacation destination is Tulum, Mexico. The stars have never seemed brighter, or closer.

I love to experience life. There are many things I am passionate about, and I am finally getting the hang of focusing all that passion in one (or three) directions. When I am not riding my mountain bike, I like to discover alternative healing therapies, cook healthy food, read books and magazines and window shop online. I like sweeping my floor and I love “upgrading” my life. I am always excited to find new ways to be better physically, mentally spiritually and emotionally. I am always chasing the rainbow. I have entered the phase of my life where I am realizing that the chase is the best part.