Message from Justine
I’m grateful to be able to ride my bike on wet, cold, rainy days on muddy, dirty trails! Cold feet, wet hands, mud all over my face — grateful and joyful I can feel these things and this body works.

About Justine
I started gravel riding in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, as a way to get outdoors and connect with the world around me. My Ridley Kanzo quickly became my favorite bike. it carried me to beautiful, priceless places. For me, gravel riding has always been about that sense of freedom and discovery.
I grew up on a small farm in Boring, Oregon, where I spent my childhood biking dirt roads with my brothers. That love for being outside and pushing myself never left. Today, I’m a passionate gravel cyclist, ultrarunner, and endurance athlete.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Embracing endurance sports gave me purpose and helped me manage my MS symptoms. Being an advocate for people living with MS added even deeper meaning to that challenge. As a District Activist Leader (DAL) for the National MS Society, I’ve traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf those with disabilities.

In 2023 my journey took another turn when I was in a serious bike accident that left me in a coma and hospitalized for two months. When I came home I was determined to ride again. There was no world where I wasn’t going to get back on my Kanzo. Relearning to ride was part of my recovery and remembering who I am.

I lead / founded a Run Club with Sauna Glo, the sauna business opened by my little brother and his wife. I’m lucky enough to be their sponsored athlete because I find sauna beneficial for heat training and endurance & cycling, treating my MS, and maintaining a healthy spirit. I spend lots of time with their kids—my two young nieces!—and I’m teaching them how to rock climb and someday gravel ride!

When I’m not cycling or running you’ll probably find me rock climbing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. I also hold a PhD in social psychology from the City University of New York, and work for a nonprofit based in DC aimed at shaping public policy that improves people’s lives.

Where to Find Justine
Meet her on the Dec 10th Webinar
Instagram: RunWMS

Links to Find Justine
Maintaining Hope When You Have MS (Podcast)
MS Mantra: 7 Influencers Share What Keeps Them Strong
Meet the Mazamas

Organizations Justine Recommends:
National MS Society

Justine’s Favorite Dirty Freehub Route
Rajneeshee