Stowe Mountain Bike Club rider profile: Suzanne McNamara Danzig

• Hometown: Stowe and Allendale, N.J.

• Occupation: Gardener.

• Age: 65

• Weapon of choice (current bike; list any fancy or unfancy upgrades): My current bike is a Santa Cruz Juliana but I am the lucky winner of the FTW custom bike that was raffled off at the Stowe Trails Partnership bash, so I am looking forward to its completion. Never had a custom-built bike, I have certainly learned a lot about the construction and all the new components that are available for mountain bikes as a result, so this will be a real blast. Can’t wait.

• Post-ride beverage of choice: How can you live in Stowe and not say a “brew.” I have a favorite but not sure it is fair to name it; so many good brews right here.

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How long have you been a mountain biker?

Almost 20 years.

How did you get into the sport?

I have been a road rider for a very long time but my love of the woods tugged at me, so I thought combining the two would be a fun skill to learn, and living in Stowe back in the 1990s, mountain biking was just taking off.

Why do you love it?

It requires a bit more skill than road riding, or should I say a different set of skills, and again, I am happy when I am in the woods.

Advice for anyone getting into the sport?

If you are over the age of 30 and just getting into it, I recommend taking a lesson or two. Younger than that, your instincts seem to take over and you are all on cruise control, it seems. Nice to have youth on your side.

What’s your favorite local ride, and why?

I think Hardy’s because I can access it leaving right from home. I could ascend and descend that trail 10 times and never get tired of it. It offers just enough of a challenge switchback uphill and the descent is a blast.

Favorite non-local trail?

Well, I took my daughter down to Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, N.C., for her graduation gift and the trails down there are endless. Beautiful waterfalls and a forest that changes around every corner.

Smooth and groomed or rough and rooty?

Well, I have to admit I love smooth and groomed. Who doesn’t? It is an ego booster. But I always have to challenge myself now and then with the rough and rooty. And with my new, bigger wheels, maybe rough and rooty will be my new favorite.

How does the riding in Stowe compare to other places?

I think our trails are so well maintained compared to other places. And there is always a watering hole nearby.

What time of day do you ride? Why then?

When I can I ride in the morning, my biorhythms (haha) are best then and I think it is less crowded, especially on weekends.

Do you like to ride alone, or with friends or family?

Well, I ride alone a lot — not my preference, however. My favorite is riding with my girls; they are amazing athletes, very patient, and I never feel intimidated when I am riding with them.