RIDE TIPS - KAREN EMBRY
2019 MAMMOTH GRAN FONDO WINNER
Originally from South Africa, Kären has been cycling for as long as she can remember.
Now at age 58, Kären aspires to continue pushing herself in the cycling world. Some of her goals include standing on a podium when she’s 60 years old, and writing a book on women’s cycling that includes anecdotes from women cyclists of all ages and calibers to inspire women entering the sport.
Besides winning the Mammoth Gran Fondo twice, Kären has a long list of other cycling accomplishments. Between her and her husband, the two of them have logged over 100,000 miles on gravel, mountain, and road bikes. She also won the 10,000 ft, 36 mile climb to the top of Haleakala in Maui during the 2016 Cycle to the Sun race. Kären loves to cycle on all terrain, but especially in the mountains.
She loves the beautiful views in the Eastern Sierra and is part of the reason why she loves coming back to the Mammoth Gran Fondo every year!
Kären’s Tips for the Mammoth Gran Fondo:
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery – this is one of the most beautiful rides you’ll do in the US.
Take advantage of the friendly aid stations, riding this distance at altitude is much easier if you hydrate well and pace yourself.
Don’t fret the climbs on this course – there are far more downhill and flatter sections than uphill sections.