“Work hard, play hard” sums up April’s approach to life. After a divorce, she took up mountain biking and moved her children to Oregon, getting a job with a major tech company there. Along the way, she met her true love and remarried. With a new baby and a new home in the country, April approaches everything—from bike riding to work to building a new chicken coop to skincare—with zest and major energy.

Discovering “real” biking
I have always had a bike, but had no idea what “real” biking was until I went out with a group of serious riders from work. I wasn’t very good, but would just keep pedaling and follow them. Over time the distance I was falling behind became less and less, but where I really noticed the difference was on the downhill. Where most were scared, I just wanted to go faster each time.

Life-changing bike ride
On a group mountain biking trip to Gooseberry Mesa in Utah, there was a boulder about six or seven feet high, and I was watching people come off it, trying to figure out the best way for me to roll down. Then this guy came through and jumped off it! My first thought was, “I am going to do that!” and then, “Who is that guy? He’s hot!” (despite the fact that he was wearing a full-face helmet, and I couldn’t see what he looked like). Well, “that guy” is now my husband.

How to start
My advice to any new rider is to start slow, find a friend or a group that is positive and patient, and ask questions about technique, your bike and your equipment. It’s very important to have the right bike and equipment for the trail you are on; it can make a huge difference in your riding experience.

The family that plays together
We have a pattern: Take care of business in the morning, play hard in the afternoon, and then hunker down for family movie or game night after dinner.

Why skincare is important to me
You have only one chance at your skin. I wish I had started earlier because I didn’t understand that until my skin started changing. Your skin shows everything … if you’re tired, stressed, if you eat too much junk food … so it’s important to take care of yourself inside and out.

Get to know April

What is your advice on feeling beautiful in your own skin?
Exercise! Staying active keeps you young, uplifts your attitude and gives you energy. Also, carve out some time every week to pamper yourself a little. Lock the door, take a bath and do a facial. Just 30 minutes a week will do wonders. 

Favorite movie and why?
I love movies! My three favorites are Army of Darkness, Shaun of the Dead and Idiocracy. How could anyone not love these movies? They are funny, witty, dumb and suspenseful, but still get you thinking. 

What do you like to cook?
I spent a lot of time in Italy and learned how to cook while I was there. My specialty is polpettone, which means “giant meatball.” It is seasoned ground beef with mortadella (cured pork) rolled into it and crusted with egg whites. Not the healthiest by any means, but delicious! 

Besides mountain biking, what are your other interests and hobbies?
At the moment, I’m quite interested in gardening, farming, remodeling and landscaping.