“Just keep at it. I think a lot of us doubt ourselves. I’m not young enough, I’m not fast enough, I’m not — whatever. All you can do is try your best.”

If you spin the globe, you’ll likely find Emily Slaco, whose nickname is Slack dawg, somewhere out of range, riding deep in the backcountry. Emily’s specialty is difficult multi-day events such as Trans-Cascadia and Trans-Provence. “I like the adventure-style races where it feels less like a race, than a fun, big day on your bike,” she says.

Based in Pemberton, Emily divides her summers between working as a sales rep for a bike company and guiding mountain bike trips. The South Chilcotin, a mountain biker’s paradise north of Whistler, remains one of her favorite guiding destinations. “It’s a true wilderness and there are always new places to explore because it’s so expansive.” The South Chilcotin is home to grizzly bears and a network of trails that feels infinite. Emily has also led guiding trips in the Yukon and throughout Europe, including Greece, Croatia, and Italy.

What accomplishments off the bike are you most proud of?

I guess I’d say striving to be a contributing member of my community and trying to keep the amazing trail system that we have in Pemberton available for all user groups to use and enjoy.