We recently sat down with Clair Sick, an empowering young woman who rocks the 9-to-5 Monday through Friday all for the rush of spending her weekends racing bikes down mountains. An up-and-comer on the Women’s Pro VITTORIA Eastern States Cup Enduro Series, Clair was born and raised in Rochester, New York, but now calls Vermont home.
goEast: So, lady, tell me: What led you to riding a bike in the first place?
Clair: I wish it was a deep, passionate story about my turn to biking, but in reality, it was a blown ACL and torn meniscus. Snowboarding caused the injury, but biking was the rehab. Then, the rest is history. The obsession of bigger and faster continued and still does every day I get on my bike. Each ride is an opportunity to progress.
goEast: With every sport, there comes the gear and kit that keep you going. What keeps you crushing it?
Clair: Do my friends count? Biking would be incomplete without the community of folks I live to shred with! Though, for real, [it’s] my sports bra! It’s near impossible to send it and feel comfortable without this piece of gear. Okay, for real real: While that is the truth, my bike is my pride and joy – an extension of my body. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to ride a Liv Intrigue SX this season, and it has progressed my riding to new levels. Typically, I am a strong believer that it’s the wizard, not the wand. But, my wand is pretty badass this season!
goEast: You mentioned friends and community. If you could name three women who’ve inspired you, who are they and why?
Clair: Clarissa Finks convinced me to do my first enduro race, and I’ve been chasing her ever since. In work and in play, she crushes it. Casey Brown is incredibly talented and has a killer style. [She] makes me want to get out there and push the limits of my own biking. My mom inspires me to give back to others and genuinely love those around. In addition, she taught me that hugs and saying “I love you” can never be done too much.
goEast: You have college degrees, a full-time job at Burton Snowboards, live out of your Jeep, and compete every chance you get. What drives you, Clair?
Clair: Life is short, and you only get one shot. There were a few factors that I knew would get in the way of my racing. Finances were one of them. Bikes, parts, entry fees, [and] travel costs are just the beginning of the list. I looked at my budget and something had to give. I had spent time living the simple life out of a vehicle in the past, when I was a whitewater raft guide, so I knew it was possible. To most, it might seem crazy to give up the comfort of home for a sport, although the experience has been freeing in so many ways. It is all worth it when I’m out on the trail.
goEast: About those trails: When you escape the desk, where do you play?
Clair: I can’t give up my secrets that easily! Between the lift-access downhill and VMBA’s great trail networks, you can find a variety of amazing single-track just around the corner in the Northeast. Perry Hill in Waterbury is where I ride most often. The uphill climb to get to the trails will be a butt-kicker, but the descents are well worth it! High-five to WATA for doing an amazing job with trail maintenance!
goEast: OK, Clair. This is the point where I ask you the proverbial question we have to ask incredible people like you: What’s the best advice for inspiring others to get out there and crush it?
Clair: You’re the only one that is going to make it happen!
Do you know a woman who crushes it? Get in touch!
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