RIDER TO RACER PROGRAM 2026
R2R is for strong intermediate to advanced level riders.
Curious about Enduro racing and what it takes to feel confident on race day? Rider to Racer is for YOU!
The Rider to Racer Program is back — and better than ever! Now in its ninth year, this program is designed not only to get more women to the starting line of their first enduro race but also to help anyone who wants to ride faster and more confidently on the trail. Since 2018, VIDA MTB Series & VNTRbirds have brought together a powerhouse team of professional women coaches and mentors to guide you as you make the leap from rider to racer — or simply level up your skills.
This year, VNTRbirds has revamped the program to give you more trail time with your coaches, including:
Got questions? We’re here to help — email us anytime at [email protected]
The Rider to Racer program is women-specific and proudly welcomes femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming riders who feel comfortable in women-centered spaces.
The Rider to Racer Program is back — and better than ever! Now in its ninth year, this program is designed not only to get more women to the starting line of their first enduro race but also to help anyone who wants to ride faster and more confidently on the trail. Since 2018, VIDA MTB Series & VNTRbirds have brought together a powerhouse team of professional women coaches and mentors to guide you as you make the leap from rider to racer — or simply level up your skills.
This year, VNTRbirds has revamped the program to give you more trail time with your coaches, including:
- Two full days of skills and race-practice clinics in June
- Entry to the women-specific VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro race
- Optional entry in the Revolution Enduro race for women’s open or beginner categories
Got questions? We’re here to help — email us anytime at [email protected]
The Rider to Racer program is women-specific and proudly welcomes femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming riders who feel comfortable in women-centered spaces.
Program starts June 2026
Lock in your spot at our early bird rate — just $850 before prices go up!
Lock it in early! A $150 deposit holds your spot for next year. Pay in full by March 1st to get the discounted rate.
Includes:
·Two full days of hands-on race specific skills clinic to sharpen your riding
· Guided at-home strength training to keep you strong throughout the program
· Nutrition course plus ongoing access to your coach for personalized support
· Entry to the VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro race alongside your coaches
· Exclusive Yeti Cycles custom race jersey to ride in style
· …and plenty more surprises to fuel your progress!
·Two full days of hands-on race specific skills clinic to sharpen your riding
· Guided at-home strength training to keep you strong throughout the program
· Nutrition course plus ongoing access to your coach for personalized support
· Entry to the VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro race alongside your coaches
· Exclusive Yeti Cycles custom race jersey to ride in style
· …and plenty more surprises to fuel your progress!
RIDER TO RACER IS DESIGNED TO EMPOWER YOU WITH KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION TO REACH YOUR GOALS, AND HELP YOU MAKE LIFETIME FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY.
PROGRAM INFO
2-Day Skills Clinic + Race Practice
- Lift tickets & lunch included both days
VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Women’s Mini Enduro Race Entry
- Race registration included
- Ride alongside your coaches during the race
At-Home Strength Program Guided by Jen Kates from Shift Human Performance
Virtual Nutrition Class & Resources. Racer-focused nutrition class plus a Daily Nutrition e-book with Uriell Carlson, Inner Wild Nutrition
Custom Yeti Cycles Women’s Enduro Jersey
OPTIONAL Add-On: Revolution Enduro Race Entry at a Discounted Rate
- Highly encouraged! We’ll be waiting at the base to slap high fives when you cross the finish line. This race is the culmination of the Rider to Racer program — it will be challenging, it will be fun, and we’ll be there cheering you on every pedal stroke.
- Lift tickets & lunch included both days
VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Women’s Mini Enduro Race Entry
- Race registration included
- Ride alongside your coaches during the race
At-Home Strength Program Guided by Jen Kates from Shift Human Performance
Virtual Nutrition Class & Resources. Racer-focused nutrition class plus a Daily Nutrition e-book with Uriell Carlson, Inner Wild Nutrition
Custom Yeti Cycles Women’s Enduro Jersey
OPTIONAL Add-On: Revolution Enduro Race Entry at a Discounted Rate
- Highly encouraged! We’ll be waiting at the base to slap high fives when you cross the finish line. This race is the culmination of the Rider to Racer program — it will be challenging, it will be fun, and we’ll be there cheering you on every pedal stroke.
SCHEDULE & TIME COMMITMENT
June
- Virtual Program Kick-Off!
- 2-day Race & Skills Clinic with coaches Anne Galyean & Tori Royle — Date & location TBA
- Nutrition & Training Sessions — Dates and details TBA
July
- RACE DAY! VNTRbirds Rip Roaring Mini Enduro Race
August
- Optional Add-On Revolution Enduro Bike Race — Date and location TBA
- Virtual Program Wrap-Up!
Time Commitment:
Expect to dedicate about 6–8 hours per week during active months, including:
- 2 full days for in-person clinic in June
- Virtual nutrition and training sessions (1–2 hours total)
- At-home strength training and cardio conditioning: 2–3 strength sessions per week, each lasting 30–50 minutes + 1 bike interval session per week, lasting 20–60 minutes
- Personal practice on the trail
- Race day(s) participation in July (and optional August/September race)
Meet your coaches
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors.
Anne Galyean (She/Her)
Rider to Racer LEAD coach
Anne started racing downhill at age 21 during her senior year of college and spent the next 6 years on the national downhill circuit. She started pedaling trail bikes while earning her PhD in nanoanalytical chemistry and was soon racing pro Enduro aboard the Yeti/Fox National Factory Enduro Team. In 2017, Anne won both the Big Mountain Enduro and Scott Enduro Cup Series Overall, as well as a Top 10 in the EWS in Aspen/Snowmass. This will be Anne's 8th year as lead race coach for the R2R program, her favorite event of the year. Anne enjoys sharing her mountain bike experience with folks interested in racing and supporting them in tackling these intimidating events.
Tori Royle (She/Her)
RIder to Racer Coach
After graduating from college with her doctorate in physical therapy, Tori made the move to Colorado and fell in love with mountain biking. Starting with both cross country and enduro racing, Tori transitioned to coaching after realizing that her physical therapy background allows her to observe riders through a biomechanical lens. Her unique background allows her to break down techniques and offer poignant corrections, giving participants the best coaching experience. Her efficacy as a coach, passion for skill progression and racing background lead to her involvement in the Rider to Racer program and she returns for her third season.
Uriell Carlson
Nutrition Coach
Uriell (aka Uri) is a sports and performance-focused registered dietitian and mountain bike coach based in Breckenridge, CO. She became a coach in 2015 after getting coached herself and realizing how incredibly it impacted her riding and love for bikes. In addition to being the founder of Inner Wild Nutrition, Uri is an ambassador for Juliana Bicycles, Mons Royale and Skratch Labs.
Jen Kates (She/Her)
PERSONAL TRAINER
Jen has been riding bikes for over 25 years, but she's abandoned (most of) her lycra and started mountain biking again in 2015 to spend more time in the mountains. Jen is passionate about getting ALL women and folks on bikes while also making them feel stronger and more confident and powerful on two (or three or four) wheels. 💪 She owns Shift Human Performance, a health and performance coaching company, and hosts the Making Shift Happen podcast, which you can listen to on your favorite podcast app. Besides biking, she loves traveling and exploring new places, and squeezing her rescue pup, Milo. She's looking forward to meeting you at one of our rides and clinics this year!
Rider to Racer Program FAQ
Is there a program start date? Do I need to register by a certain date?
The program officially starts in June 2026 and typically sells out, so we recommend registering as soon as possible. Please note, the program cost will not be prorated for any missed events. To get the most out of the program, we recommend attending all events.
What is an Enduro Race?
Enduro MTB Racing consists of a series of timed downhill sections, with the rider pedaling to the top of each stage. Downhill trails can vary on their technical level, but most are within an intermediate/strong intermediate's wheelhouse. It's also a laugh and smile until your cheeks hurt sort of day. You'll spend stages pedaling with your fellow categories and stop at aid stations to refuel and refresh. Imagine riding with friends all day and mixing in bombing down trails free of people, dogs, and other bikers.
What level rider do I need to be?
This program is geared towards strong intermediate to advanced riders. It is strongly recommended that riders are comfortable attempting or riding black diamond trails and technical features such as steep downhills, rock gardens, and roots. Be prepared to execute bike-body separation techniques and skills like pumping and front wheel lifts. Those with an intermediate or strong intermediate riding background will gain the most from this program as most riding and coaching will assume a baseline of experience with technical skills.
I've never raced and do not have much interest. Why should I sign up?
This year's program is not all about racing. We are dialing in the fundamentals of becoming a stronger, faster rider. You will learn about nutrition, strength training, gear selection, and basic bike maintenance. You will also join a fantastic community and meet other women to ride with. And, you'll get a sweet Yeti jersey so you look Pro wherever you go!
Why should I ADD ON the Revolution Enduro Race?
This program is all about progression. By August you will have practiced scoping lines with your coaches, learned how to fuel and train your body for a race AND participated in a mini enduro race fully supported by your coaches and peers. It's time to watch you fly (literally fly down the trail)! The Revolution Enduro community is fun and welcoming and don't worry, VNTRbirds will be at the base ready to help with any questions you have -- and to slap high fives at the finish line! We're also getting a massive discount from our friends at Revolution Enduro - Typically $275, your entry is only $175 for day bike race with lift tickets and food included!
The program officially starts in June 2026 and typically sells out, so we recommend registering as soon as possible. Please note, the program cost will not be prorated for any missed events. To get the most out of the program, we recommend attending all events.
What is an Enduro Race?
Enduro MTB Racing consists of a series of timed downhill sections, with the rider pedaling to the top of each stage. Downhill trails can vary on their technical level, but most are within an intermediate/strong intermediate's wheelhouse. It's also a laugh and smile until your cheeks hurt sort of day. You'll spend stages pedaling with your fellow categories and stop at aid stations to refuel and refresh. Imagine riding with friends all day and mixing in bombing down trails free of people, dogs, and other bikers.
What level rider do I need to be?
This program is geared towards strong intermediate to advanced riders. It is strongly recommended that riders are comfortable attempting or riding black diamond trails and technical features such as steep downhills, rock gardens, and roots. Be prepared to execute bike-body separation techniques and skills like pumping and front wheel lifts. Those with an intermediate or strong intermediate riding background will gain the most from this program as most riding and coaching will assume a baseline of experience with technical skills.
I've never raced and do not have much interest. Why should I sign up?
This year's program is not all about racing. We are dialing in the fundamentals of becoming a stronger, faster rider. You will learn about nutrition, strength training, gear selection, and basic bike maintenance. You will also join a fantastic community and meet other women to ride with. And, you'll get a sweet Yeti jersey so you look Pro wherever you go!
Why should I ADD ON the Revolution Enduro Race?
This program is all about progression. By August you will have practiced scoping lines with your coaches, learned how to fuel and train your body for a race AND participated in a mini enduro race fully supported by your coaches and peers. It's time to watch you fly (literally fly down the trail)! The Revolution Enduro community is fun and welcoming and don't worry, VNTRbirds will be at the base ready to help with any questions you have -- and to slap high fives at the finish line! We're also getting a massive discount from our friends at Revolution Enduro - Typically $275, your entry is only $175 for day bike race with lift tickets and food included!
What past participants are saying:
The R2R program was phenomenal. I went into it with one goal of getting faster. However, I came away with so much more, and to be honest, I'm not so stuck on just being faster anymore. I genuinely believe I'm a better rider becasue of the program and I learned so much about racing. I feel more confident, I feel stronger, and I feel like my over technique drastically improved. Can't say enough positive things about the R2R program!
- MIA
This course was so much fun and I learned so much. I was shocked at how my riding immediately improved and I am still able to continue working on the skills I learned at the clinic weekend because they were explained so well. I saw immediate results but also have the foundation of information and skills to practice to continue improving on my own.
- BRIDGET
Thank you for building (and continuing to build) a community of woman that is so truly welcoming, educational, and always provides a fun time outside!
- KARA
Need help paying for the R2R program?
Apply for our scholarships - we have a R2R specific one that opens in the spring. VNTR FUND
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. FULL FACE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Cancelation policy:
All participants will be required to fill out a waiver and a medical history form before the event.
• ALL AGES WELCOME* • LGBTQ+ WELCOME • BIPOC WELCOME •
Must be 18 & older or accompanied by parent or guardian.
Apply for our scholarships - we have a R2R specific one that opens in the spring. VNTR FUND
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. FULL FACE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Cancelation policy:
- No Refunds: All payments for this program are final. We do not offer refunds, under any circumstances, once a payment has been processed.
- Cancellations: If you wish to cancel your participation in the program, you may notify us before the start date. However, please note that no refunds will be issued for cancellations, regardless of the notice period.
All participants will be required to fill out a waiver and a medical history form before the event.
• ALL AGES WELCOME* • LGBTQ+ WELCOME • BIPOC WELCOME •
Must be 18 & older or accompanied by parent or guardian.