Beyond the Ride: Sandy Ward helps indigenous kids access MTB through her Lil’wat Youth Mountain Biking Program at the Whistler Bike Park.

Editor's Note:

Beyond the Ride is our love letter to the people who make mountain biking better. The series is meant to highlight the mechanics, builders, rippers, advocates, storytellers, coaches, land managers, event organizers and more who make our sport the best version of itself. Know someone you think deserves a feature? Nominate them here !

Sandy Ward has been steeped in action sports for most of her life, starting on snow, and eventually moving to dirt. She has been a competitive halfpipe rider, a snowboard instructor, and an avid backcountry enthusiast; as a mountain biker, she now frequents the Whistler Bike Park and coaches indigenous youth in the Pemberton and Whistler areas.

Sandy is also the Backcountry Mentorship Team Co-Lead for Indigenous Women Outdoors , an organization on a mission to "ignite a spirit of empowerment, resilience, and connection among Indigenous women by providing them with the opportunity to explore and excel in outdoor sport activities."

And while Sandy was slotted to interview and film with Bike Mag in-person at Crankworx Whistler, she broke her collarbone early on in the week of the event and plans had to change. Ever-gracious in her willingness to share her time, energy and lived experience with others, Sandy still made time to meet up for a quick chat - even though she was slinged and in obvious pain - and to follow up to finish the conversation once home and through surgery.

And that insatiable desire and commendable ability to advocate and give back is exactly why Sandy deserves her feature in this series.

Name, age, current place of residence?

Sandy Ward, 38, Pemberton, BC.

What do you do (specifically related to mountain biking)?

I am the founder of the Lil'wat youth Mountain Bike Program. We have been running for three years through the Whistler Bike Park. Our mission is to get more local Indigenous youth involved in mountain biking by giving them access to bikes, lift passes and professional coaching. We feel that the outdoors is healing for youth in all aspects, physically, mentally and spiritually.

What’s been the bike-related highlight of your year?

Winning Dirt Diaries of course! I have had a rough journey as an athlete with very little representation of Indigenous people in sport and I wanted to change that for the next generation. Being able to find and showcase local youth in film and photography has been a dream come true. The sense of pride that is brought out in not only the youth, but our entire community has been a beautiful thing to see and be a part of.

If you could leave any impact on mountain biking, what would you like to be remembered for?

I want to be known and remembered as the "Aunty" that got all the little kids outside. Whether it's on skis, boards, rocks or bikes, I want to see the youth continue to have opportunities like the bike program.

What, outside of mountain biking, makes you excited?

I started out as a snowboarder. I only got into biking six years ago. I've been known as "the snowboarder" in my community since I was fifteen years old. I'm currently training toward my splitboard guiding certifications.

What are your goals for the next year?

To strengthen my body and recover from what seems like an endless string of injuries. As I get older I see more and more how important it is to stay fit and strong. So back to the gym I go!

What’s the most exciting trend in mountain biking you’re seeing right now (and how can we help it)?

We are finally starting to see more diversity in riders. Supporting youth programs involved in getting more marginalized communities out on bikes will bring even more BIPOC riders to the forefront. Sports should be for everyone and it should feel like a safe space for everyone.

What’s your trail of choice right now (and why?)

I love flow. It probably stems from my competitive halfpipe snowboarding background, I love to get in the air. So I guess the classic Dirt Merchant/Aline party session is where it's at for me.

Any sponsors, friends, or family you’d like to thank?

Always love to thank the people who support me. Rocky Mountain, POC sports, Arc'teryx and Evo have all played a part in keeping me safe out there. They have all also played a big part in bringing my youth bike and climb programs to life. Indigenous communities work together to lift each other up, the sports industry should be the same and I really see the effort these brands are putting in.