How I got started

I grew up in the midwest where there are merely foothills. However, I always rode my bicycle everywhere since a child. I rode cross country until I moved to Oregon in 1997. I loved the exercise of climbing, but I was always wanting to go faster and crazier - leading the groups riding. I was naive enough to ride the northshore, Canada clipped in cross-country style, bell helmet and all - no body armor, and loved it! I finally connected with some friends in Oregon who were into downhill riding and racing. I began riding with them, and one of my friends encouraged me to enter a race. I entered Beginner, and passed several people and won. I knew that my level was much better than anticipated. I was also not nervous, which is key. I immediately upgraded to Sport, but I needed a better bike; a 3-4 inch travel bike was not going to cut it in DH.

The following yr, I upgrade to Expert and a full DH bike which took some getting used to the weight and pedaling (it came with a 52t chain ring that I eventually changed out).

At the same time, I met several people who were into freeriding in Oregon/Washington and started to change my focus to that. I had some amazing people to train with and encourage me, espcecially females. The better I got at riding, the more nervous I got at racing, but not freeriding.

I upgraded to Pro after taking a podium place at Schweitzer in Expert category.

The Pacific Northwest has some amazing riding and riders, especially female to inspire and learn from.

Goals for the Future

* After residing in Mexico for the past year with little opportunity to compete, plan to reenter the competitive/racing world at an international level in the USA and Canada.

* Compete in at least three National events and the World Masters.

* Continue freeriding to become more versatile. Currently jumping up to 10? drops, gaps, etc.

* Continue to encourage/promote female and youth mountain biking.

* Begin community involvement in Hood River - further promote mountain biking in the area, event promotion and volunteer work, trail building/maintenance.

What inspires you to compete?

It was my female compadres. When I first started out, I was really just excited about the newness of it, and had not incurred any major injuries ;o) I then met several advanced and pro female riders/racers in the area. It was highly inspiring. Due changes in everyone`s life circumstances this yr, it has been difficult to train together. So, I am finding myself needing the extra push to race because I am truly just enjoying riding all the time and refocusing my mental state. My main goal is to be mentally ready for the World Masters.

Some Personal Information About Me:

*Recently returned from residing in the Copper Canyon & Oaxaca, Mexico for one year. * Birthplace: Standish, Michigan * Favorite trails/terrain: Naveria, Corral de Piedra (both over 5,000` desent beggining at over 10,000` jack hammering all the way down), Whistler - In Deep, Freight Train, Duffman, Joyride, Schleyer, Dirt Merchant, Snoqualmie Pass, Hood River, Mt. Ashland, Mt. Shasta, ramp jumping, technical dirt trails, boulders. * Quote: "For me, it`s not all about racing, it`s about riding with your friends, and pushing each other to the limits - for yourself and the fun and freeness of riding." * Other Interests: Skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, traveling, and writing. * Background: Relocated to Oregon from Michigan in April, 1997. I have been riding my bike as a hobby ever since I learned to ride a bike. I began with cross-country, and the adrenaline rush that I thrived on, crossed over into downhill. A group of us formed a riding team in Oregon, which comprised of racers, freeriders, and several females. Having the opportunity to be exposed to this combination of riders, has provided me with the ability to diversify my skills. Two years ago, I saw myself progress considerably. The past year, I have stepped up my level of endurance for those long, technical descents at high elevations.

Do you train? What does your schedule look like?

Returned to Hood River, Oregon in Spring `06 after living in Mexico for one year. In Mexico, was able to ride yr round. In Oregon, the weather is tricky and rainy 8 months of the year. Currently riding 4 days/week. Cross training with cross country. Training on Freeride, stunts, and long flowly, loose downhills here. Need more knarly on the DH - but been practicing riding that on my all mountain, and xc on the all-mountain. On the days that I am not on my bike, I weight train, hike, mountaineer, etc. Spent a week at Whistler, amazing how you can progress.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I am already a grown up - just bought my third house. Honestly, I want to start my own business after saving $ from my real job. I would love to start a clinic/camps for youth and female mountain bikers, something not in corp. America

Employment / Experience Summary

* Occupation: High-tech Program Manager. I`ve been in this field for over 15 years. I used to work for the "man", Intel, and most recently at Muzu in Dublin, Ireland.  I had the opportunity to move to Mexico and telecommute, and telecommute 80% from my home in Hood River. What I loved about my job other than the pay, was working with people from around the globe and experiencing the different cultures. It was also very intellectually challenging. I got burnt out at one point and decided to teach at a community college, which I loved, and other miscellaneous endeavours. I still had responsibilities, and it wasn`t paying the bills. I sold and downsized my house - what a relief. I studied Computer Science and Environmental Science at the University of Michigan. The environment is my passion, but I need my PhD to make even less money - go figure. My biggest dream is to move to and have part-time residence in Europe living in the Alps region or Mexico again. My husband has his EU passport, so thusfar we were able to live in Europe (France & Ireland) and are now back in Mexico.

Goals Accomplished: 

* 2006 World Master's - 10th place

* Upgraded to Professional class in 2004 season after only 2.5 years of racing.

* Created sense of cohesion in the Pacific Northwest female mountain biking community ? organized and brought together female professional mountain bikers in the region.

* Encouraged attendance by females of all abilities in local/regional competitions to bring level of competition up at these events.

* Encouraged newcomers in the participation in the sport of mountain biking (downhill and freeride).
* While recovering from broken patella, coached less experienced mountain bikers.

* After breaking patella at Schweitzer race, back on bike only five weeks after surgery (reconstructive and arthroscopy). 11/06/04.

* Oaxaca race article: http://www.rhino-dh.com/dh/princ_lacumbre2005.php

* Sponsorhouse.com "Featured Rider of the Month:" March and April 2004.

* Ranked 12th Expert NCS race series 2003 - http://home.comcast.net/mtbdhrider/images/DH_exp_women25-29.pdf

* Ranked 1st in OBRA 2003 races series

* View my videos at my team`s website, DH Soldiers:
www.dhsoldiers.com
Click on the Members tab, then click on the link for my name, Michelle Dombrowski.
* View my video by clicking on the Mtb Short Video link.

Bike Magazine article on the place and core group of riders that I ride with:
http://www.bikemag.com/heavypedaltour/hoodriver/