"COMPETING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF MY SPORT IS ABSOLUTELY THRILLING! I LOVE THE RELENTLESS DETERMINATION AND FOCUS THAT IS REQUIRED TO EXPLORE MY POTENTIAL."
HOMETOWN: Park City, Utah
OTHER SPONSORS: Specialized Bicycle Components
INSTAGRAM: @haley.batten
Where are you from? Where do you live now? What do you like most about where you live?
I grew up in Park City, Utah, and absolutely fell in love with cycling during that time. Currently, I attend University in Squamish, British Columbia, during the fall and winter and between competitions I base in Santa Cruz, California. The places I call home are truly epic, and I love the riding, landscapes and communities. I spend much of the year traveling all over the world to amazing cycling destinations, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
When did you start mountain biking? What got you into it?
I started mountain biking early in my youth. My earliest memories are road tripping to places like Moab, Utah, with my family and friends. I quickly learned how amazing bikes are to explore the areas we were visiting. My dad was racing the local race series and soon my younger brother and I joined in. I got hooked on racing and loved going on adventure rides in Park City with my dad as my passion grew.
What is your favorite place to ride?
I must admit that I have fallen in love with British Columbia, Canada, since beginning university there. The mountain biking and outdoor community, as well as the incredible landscape, makes for a special place to adventure and ride bikes! The technical terrain has definitely challenged me to become a better rider, too. I love it!
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I’m learning to play the ukulele! It’s a fun activity to work on when I’m traveling or trying to stay off my feet on race week.
When you’re not riding, what are you up to?
Although it’s hard for me to stay off my bike, I also love hiking, skiing and trying new sports. When I’m not being active, I am kept busy working on my undergraduate degree and coaching young female athletes with KX3 Lifestyle + Coaching. If I need to slow down and relax (which is important but hard to do!), I like to read or cook a new meal.
