Beth Johnson
Name: Beth Johnson
Pronouns: she/her
Age: 58
Town: Springfield, MA
NCC Member Since: 2025
Beth: The History
Where are you from?
I grew up in Kittery, Maine, when it was a much smaller and quieter place than it is today. As an adult, I’ve moved around a lot and lived in Alabama, upstate New York, western South Dakota, and the far southwest corner of Oklahoma (“it’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from here”). We moved back to New England in 1998.
How did you first get into cycling? When did you start joining the NCC’s intro rides, and what was that like for you?
I’ve been riding since I was little, starting with my old banana-seat bike and graduating to a 10-speed in my tweens. I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was over 18, so I rode my Peugeot 10-speed everywhere. There wasn’t much to do when we lived in Oklahoma, so I rode a bunch there and did some road races, rides up to 75 miles, and even a criterium. After a break from cycling, I started up again in earnest last year. Since I’m not much of a road rider anymore, and not very fast, I started going to the Monday Intro D rides, led by Jonathan O’Keeffe. It was a good shakeout ride for me, chill enough to be social, and I could drag my husband along since he hadn’t been riding much.
Why did you join NCC?
I’ve been really impressed with how friendly the NCC members are and how invested the club is in community outreach. I love the route library, even though it’s focused a little out of my area. And there’s a good variety of ride types.
What type of riding do you do?
I had always been a roadie but off-road curious. My road bike was stolen just before the pandemic, and I replaced it with a gravel bike. Then I saw the Women’s beginner MTB clinic advertised last spring, given by Lisa Abrams and Amy Stephens. I registered and borrowed a bike, and was hooked. I spent most of the summer riding MTB and gravel, then did the Valley Cat Hustle cross clinics and started racing cross in the River Valley XC series. My sister has raced cyclocross for a number of years and I’ve spectated and wanted to join in. I had a blast!
What is your most meaningful cycling accomplishment?
I had both my hips replaced in 2024, after years of pain and disability that made mounting and dismounting a bike a bit of an ordeal (and riding more dangerous). It took about a year to get my strength built back up, which meant that I was ready in spring of ‘25 to get back to having fun on the bike. I started the season with Raid Rockingham and Bikes Fight Cancer, and the Women’s/Gender Expansive MTB clinic. I learned off-road riding skills that stood me in good stead when I started racing cross. I had no idea there were two cross races practically in my back yard. I ended up going to all the River Valley XC races, and though I finished last or almost last in each, because I simply showed up and finished, I ended up third in the series! And to close out the season, I was able to fulfill a wish and race at The Ice Weasels Cometh.
Beth’s Favorites
What’s your favorite place to ride?
I love the trails in West Springfield: Bear Hole Reservoir and Robinson State Park. I wish my local towns would invest more in bike trail infrastructure to make it possible to ride safely around and out of Springfield to adjacent towns. I have to drive for most of my rides, which is ridiculous.
Favorite ride snack?
Fruit snacks and peanut M&Ms
Favorite piece of cycling gear?
My sparkly purple Cannondale Habit MTB. It’s not just how it looks (it’s gorgeous!) or how I’ve accessorized (leaned hard into the purple), but the freedom and progress that it represents.
What is your favorite NCC group ride or event?
I’ve only been a member for less than a year, so I have to say my favorite thing was Hydra Cross. I had no idea there was a cross race jammed into that tiny park in Holyoke! It was awesome to race.
What’s your favorite book or TV show?
So many favorite books, but one of my recent favorites is the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells. AppleTV picked it up and it’s as enjoyable (but different) in that medium.
Who is your favorite professional cyclist?
I try not to have a favorite professional cyclist anymore, since I’ve been burned by the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. However, it’s Sepp Kuss. And Kasia Niewiadoma. Because I love climbing.
Beth Off the Bike
What do you do when not on your bike?
Professionally, I work in IT at one of the local colleges, and before that I was a post-partum doula.
What do you do for fun?
I have a young Pembroke Welsh Corgi that I’m taking agility classes with. I’m a ceramic artist and gardener. And I teach an old and obscure Japanese weapon art (don’t bother to ask the name, you have never heard of it).
What is your favorite spot in the River Valley?
Before my hips made it difficult, I used to trail run the M&M up Mount Holyoke. I loved looking out across the Valley from the summit.
What’s next for Beth? What does “winter training” mean to you?
Winter training means continuing my weight training (essential for everyone!), riding the indoor trainer (no Zwift, alas), running around an agility course with my dog, and swinging a 7 1/2 foot long pole arm.
What cycling goals do you have for the upcoming year?
I’ve already registered for Raid Rockingham, D2R2, The Mix Tape, and Ice Weasels, as well as Elevate and Everwild. I just registered interest in officially taking part in the race team, so . . . I’d like to increase my base capacity and get a solid fueling habit down for longer events. I used to be really good at climbing, and I’d like to try to get some of that back. I’m also interested in starting a regular chill MTB ride for women/gender expansive with a focus on skill building by repetition.
What’s on your cycling bucket list?
I would love to cycle the Shimanami kaido at some point.
What are your hopes for the cycling community in the River Valley?
I hope we continue to make gains on bike-enabling infrastructure in the Valley, especially to connect the more urban areas and spread the love and awareness.
What would you recommend to club members who are new to group rides?
Start with the Monday Intro ride. You’ll learn about group riding at a chill pace with a small time commitment and friendly people.
How can people connect with you?
On Strava I’m the only Beth Johnson in the NCC club. I’m on the Women and Gender Expansive MTB email list. I hope to try some of the gravel rides this year, and maybe JAM Fundo and a XC race or two? I’m signed up for Elevate and Everwild MTB clinics. If you see me, I might not recognize you, so a reminder is helpful. I’m not much for small talk, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to connect.
