This Dirt Life with Sarai Snyder

This week’s podcast was long overdue. I caught up with Sarai Snyder, founder of Cyclofemme and Girl Bike Love which has now evolved into Brazenly. Sarai is a writer, artist, and activist living in Boulder, Colorado. Her driving passion is inspiring women around the world through transformative outdoor experiences to live a healthier, happier, more empowered life. Sarai is such an interesting woman and has already done so much for women's cycling but continues to grow and evolve as the needs of our community also grow and develops. Sarai is kind-hearted, creative and not afraid of adventure. I'm excited to see her new projects unfold. Without further ado, please welcome to This Dirt Life, Sarai Snyder.

CREDITS

Host >>> Lisa Leonard

Follow Sarai on Instagram >>> @saraisnyder

Follow Sarai on Facebook >>> Sarai Snyder

Follow Sarai's Brazen Movement on Facebook >>> Go Brazenly

Go Brazenly on Instagram >>> @gobrazenly

Executive Producer >>> Pablo Quiroga

LISTEN TO THE EXCLUSIVE PODCAST WITH SARAI SNYDER

WHAT IS YOUR ORIGIN STORY?

I grew up in Kentucky, in the country. We had horses, cows, and pigs on all sides. My parents highly valued outdoor activity, they took me on my first backpacking trip when I was 9 months old. My childhood was full of outdoor exploration, sneaking over to the neighbors farm and riding their horses bareback, and working with my dad on whatever project he had going - at his auto garage, in the garden, or on the house. He is very recourcesful and inventive.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE?

Picking a destination on the map and going. Any place, any time. I recognize that preparation is important in some instances for safety but over preparation can be just as dangerous. It sometimes prevents us from actually getting out the door or from having a good time if things don't go as planned. I've never had a bad adventure.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BE THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY?

My Dad and my Grandmother. Both stubborn and determined. My Grandmother was Polish/Russian but raised in France. Her brother was disabled so she would carry him around on her back. That's probably why she never stood taller than 4'10.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE 15 YEAR OLD YOU?

Go. Don't over think it. Just go. Follow your creative spark, it's more valuable than you think.

DESCRIBE A EUPHORIC MOMENT FOR YOU?

Standing at the top of a mountain, knowing how hard I worked to get there - hiking, climbing, riding - and just taking in the magic of the accomplishment and the scenery.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO IMPACT THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN?

I enjoying sharing the outdoors with women to help them reach their potential in everyday life. I believe that women are the root of healthy communities, leading to a healthier, happier, smarter world.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MINDFULNESS TO REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE?

Very. Mindfulness is what keeps us on track in caring for our bodies and training. It's also what helps us stay in the moment when trying to achieve a goal.

HOW IMPORTANT IS BREATH TO REACHING PEAK PERFORMANCE?

Breath is important in everything we do. Taking 5 deep breaths can completely change our attitude and move us into a different zone. Breath is healing.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE FEELING STRESSED OUT?

Go outside, take a deep breath, and move. Walk, hike, run, ride my bike.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRONGEST CHARACTER TRAITS AND HOW DO THEY IMPACT YOUR PRODUCTIVITY AND/OR PERFORMANCE?

I'm highly creative and I have strong drive. I've always believed on some level that I can do anything I believe I can do. But I can get caught up in my head, thinking too much, which inhibits my productivity sometimes. I can be my greatest asset and my biggest stumbling block all in one go.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO GET INTO THE ZONE?

Breathing, stretching, going outside, and odd as it may sound, there is nothing in this world so motivating as a good, hot shower.

WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKEST CHARACTER TRAITS AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO TURN THEM INTO STRENGTHS?

Overthinking and being too self-critical. I believe in being very intentional with everything I do and that can put a lot of pressure on performance. I'm learning to live more in the moment and appreciate that less than perfect action is way more important than no action at all.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS. 

CycloFemme - a global celebration of women on bikes is moving into it's 8th year. And I'm in the midst of a slow rebrand for my website Girl Bike Love. We are growing up a little and broadening our horizons. We will focus on empowering stories of women in the outdoors. The new name is Brazenly.