Bike-minded People: Dena Bauman - time to release, connect, and be playful
“I fell in love with it from the very first instant!” Dena exclaims as a late summer sunset wraps the city of Williams Lake in a warm glow. “Everything from the pump-up tunes heading to the trail, to trying things, crashing, laughing, meeting new people, feeling strong, being in the forest… and the coolest feeling I get from riding would be the total connection with my body to bike to trail to nature, it just becomes one holistic feeling and I get totally out of my head.”
In the heart of the lush wilderness of British Columbia lies a little town fabled for its trails and the culture that has carved them. Williams Lake is the chosen home to Dena Baumann, one main reason being those trails and the community she has found around them. For Dena, mountain biking is more than a sport; it’s a connection to nature, a bond with the community, and a way to conquer personal challenges. "I describe my time spent riding as time to release, connect, and be playful," she says. And the essence of this experience lives not only in her ride, but in the laughter shared with fellow riders, the freedom to just be, and the unspoken support that weaves through the biking community.
Dena’s riding story is intertwined with the growth of her community. She vividly recalls her first encounters with mountain biking, the excitement of exploring trails, crashing, laughing, and forming bonds with kindred spirits. Over time, her love for the sport evolved from seeking adrenaline rushes to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. "I find I don’t seek out the thrill or adrenaline like I used to… Now biking has become a way to release stress and burn it off, so I do more cross country and love to encourage beginners. At the same time, I want our community to also be a place where advanced riders can be challenged and ride competitively: Something for everyone.”
Amid these aspirations, Dena stands out as a community leader, and a relentless advocate for positive change. In our first conversation to discuss her willingness to appear in this feature, her main concern was whether or not she could put the spotlight on the strong women she surrounds herself with to uplift their work within the community as well. Because the truth is, she’s not the only person passionately driving initiatives to engage youth, promote riding, and create a more inclusive biking culture in Williams Lake. Through her dedication and that of the people around her, mountain biking in Williams Lake has become more of a movement.
As the wheels of progress roll forward, Dena Bauman stands with a smile, embodying a fresh spirit for mountain biking. Through her laughter, her challenges, and her unwavering determination, she inspires her community. As we see the last of the day fading into night, the community of Williams Lake comes together for music in the park. Each person we pass greets Dena with a smile and some form of a thank you, for something she has shared. In her effort to uplift mountain biking as much as the women around her, we see the chance for mountain biking to become a sanctuary for others, where the trails are open, the laughter is loud, and the spirit of adventure is endless.
"Bike Minded People" is a collection of stories by Dylan Sherrard about people who represent the passion we share for mountain biking and its ability to be a 'force for good' in our communities.
Previous installments of Bike Minded People:
Andrea Heath - Pursuing My Dream Later in Life
Tom Eustache - A Place for My Kids and Community to Ride
More installments coming soon...