From Living In A Tent To Racing EWS & Presenting At Pinkbike | Getting To Know Christina Chappetta

Many of you will know Christina as Pinkbike presenter, but did you know she finished top 10 at an EWS race? Or that she lived in a tent for two months when she moved to Whistler? Join Christina to find out how it all started.
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Christina's sponsors:
Trek Bikes - trekbikes.com/
Marzocchi - www.marzocchi.com/
Troy Lee Designs - troyleedesigns.com/
100% - 100percent.com/
Shimano - bike.shimano.com
Schwalbe - schwalbetires.com/
OneUp Components - oneupcomponents.com/
Pinkbike Merch - pinkbike.link/merch
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[@RubenD85]

fantastic video, Christina has been an awesome addition to the pinkbike team, this should be like a series with everybody at pinkbike.

[@jbee4892]

Yess for sure

[@bentyler5704]

Mike Levy: “ I started biking the day I robbed the local Tim Hortons, I needed a quick getaway and that was the only option. After 5 years in prison I knew the first thing I had to do was go send crabapple, because I was that good, way better than Kazimer.”

[@pinkbike]

For sure! I was the test subject hahah more fun interviews to come -Christina

[@RubenD85]

@@pinkbike haha sweet,, keep the stoke high.

[@doctajuice]

Super hyped for Mike levy

[@alexanderwill6012]

We all can say we love Christina Chappeta!

[@Flaminturkey1]

Man its inspirational to see how she was able to start a bit later than a lot of people and still become a professional rider! Gives me hope to keep riding!

[@pinkbike]

Yep for sure! It's wild the progression you can make if you want to... and don't know any better about injuries. Definitely keep riding -Christina

[@doonhilla]

Great little interview. Christina is such a friendly, down to earth character.

[@pinkbike]

Thank you! Just trying to keep it real for the folks at home. I appreciate the support and kind words -Christina

[@rowancall2879]

Christina is such a great addition to the team. Natural presenter and talented rider

[@pinkbike]

Cheers Rowan -Christina

[@precast5613]

"Just living paycheck to paycheck as you do in mountain biking" YES

[@Kengouru]

Christina is one of the few people in the circuit that makes me feel 100% comfortable about who I am as a rider. She's a top rider but knows how to relate to people who are not at her level. Her attitude is inspiring and gives me confidence to grow as a rider.

[@llullwllallkll]

i love when she interviews rider.. she's all smiles..👌👌👌✌✌✌

[@pinkbike]

haha I'm glad you noticed I get so excited, and I have to keep myself from cutting them off -Christina

[@andersun16]

So hard to be "original" in the crowded MTB social media scene, yet - somehow, Christina manages to bring expertise while still maintaining that "newness" that the average enthusiasts thrives on. Keep doing what you're doing - it's much appreciated!

[@pinkbike]

Thanks John! Awesome feedback

[@SlowpokeShred]

Your positive vibes always make for great videos. Pinkbike is really hitting on all cylinders these days.

[@santisanti7048]

We need more stories like this! More bikers self-introduction and experience

[@martinschwartz7342]

That was a remarkable story. Christina, you are a remarkable young lady. Your story is one of passion and compassion. Your love for the sport and for your fellow human beings emanates from deep within you to brighten up the atmosphere around you. You must be a joy to all who meet you. Through your videos, you are a great inspiration to us all. I should know. After stumbling upon one of your videos, early last year, I took the plunge into mountain biking, at the age of 69. My health was deteriorating rapidly. It had been 2 1/2 years since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I suffer from a rare neuromuscular disease called Cramp fasciculation Syndrome which can leave me on the floor with multiple muscle spasms at once. I also suffer from chronic back pain from severe degenerative facet joint disease in the lumbar section of my back. I couldn't do much physically and mentally I was going downhill. A year and a half ago I had a total reverse shoulder replacement and lost a lot of strength during the recovery. I started watching KZbin videos to kill the time. I stumbled upon Christina's videos and started watching one after another. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Soon I started training on a stationary bike while watching Christina and the others from Pinkbike. Then in May, I bought my Haibike Allmtn 2.0. Since then I have progressed to riding blue trails and can do a track stand up to a minute. My doctors are elated, to say the least. They agreed that mountain biking will give me a good amount of exercise and navigating through rocks, roots, and other obstacles will help me maintain mental acuity. They are astonished that I am becoming healthier and stronger both physically and mentally. They asked me what inspired me to push so hard, all of a sudden. I just say it was Christina Chappetta's strength of character that inspired me to fight against my disease, with everything I have. God bless you, Christina, for all are and all you do.

[@keirfarnum6811]

That’s a really cool story! I was a mountain bike racer and alpine ski racer in college when I developed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (aka Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and I have struggled ever since (I didn’t know at the time that exercising makes it worse when in the early stages). I have been riding for transportation, but recently I decided I need to do some upgrades on my steed and I’m going to start doing some rides for fun instead of just going to doctor’s appointments. I can’t ride a lot, but I think I need some additional exercise and I plan to start getting out some more. As long as I don’t overdo it, it should help some. I hope things continue to improve for you. 👍🏻

[@pinkbike]

Oh my goodness Martin!!! That is the best story I've heard by far! THANK YOU for sharing this with me. I never know how far someone has taken a video or bit of inspiration of mine so thank you. You are the absolute proof that mtb has no age limit or barrier for entry and also proof of the enhancements it can give you for your entire life and well-being. This is what keeps me going and also keeps me wanting to stay strong. I want to bike forever and stories like this show me that I can! This is so beautiful, I really appreciate you opening up and sharing this story. Please reach out and keep in touch. I love your story and wish you many more years of fun and great health on the bike xoxoxo -Christina

[@pinkbike]

Good luck Keir with your journey! These stories have really opened my eyes to what other people are struggling with and also trying very very hard to overcome. I know so little about these illnesses and I'm very intrigued now to read up on them. Good luck with your adventure into some more biking and enjoy the ride and the path it takes. I love when my bike takes me for a ride and gets me outside. Change your scenery, change your mind -Christina

[@dasanoneia4730]

That's awesome! Wow

[@mtbohana]

I love this girl. Awesome attitude, great energy, she is beautiful and rides a mountain bike.

[@grvlmaml9043]

"what am I doing here in cowboy town, I'm next door to CO and could be living in the mountains." As a current Kansan, this thought crosses my head quite a lot!

[@elijahmccormick1166]

I think that a lot as a neighbor to the north

[@pinkbike]

Oh man! Get over there! In the US we always think something is so far away. It wasn't until I got to Canada, where the next big town is 4 hours away that I thought, oh! It's not actually far at all hahah Good Luck -Christina

[@grvlmaml9043]

@@pinkbike Heading over to Breck next month, but just for the weekend. I'll try not to pull any Chappettas while I'm there. ;-)

[@davidc6032]

I had no idea who she was until seeing her on Pinkbike Academy. She instantly jumped off the screen showing command of the various contestant challenges she was handling, She definitely a keeper as she has that rare talent of charisma and smarts in front of the camera.

[@mikesimpson827]

AWESOME , AWESOME , AWESOME ! Christina You Inspire Me . Thank you.

[@pinkbike]

No thank YOU Mike, for finding the inspiration. Keeps me excited to continue what I do for sure -Christina

[@tomb2289]

Christina's so great, killer smile, killer attitude, seems like a real people person. And a badass!

[@philipbaldassini9528]

I was always into mountain biking back in the mid 90s when I was growing up, and finally at 37 I got a 2014 specialized demo which is awesome. I love how Christina Chappetta brings an amazing sport to the public despite their difference in how they ride… thanks for the video PinkBike.

[@nokpangilinan7933]

You being natural is what stoked us. Love you Christina!

[@Oldfatbeerman]

Thanks for that expose of Christina's character and history , it helps to see where a presenter is coming from and provides context for their work , which allows me to appreciate what they do all the more . Good stuff .

[@andrewhall9852]

To say Christina exudes positivity is an understatement. Such an awesome character to have in our sport 👍

[@woutervanteerling]

Much much respect to her! I know the feeling of leaving everything for a new type of life, and she even started in a tent.. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@joelzimmerman8787]

Awesome interview. Really solid advice that inspired me, a 50 year old dude that just moved to Idaho and learning to mountain bike. The hard way baby, lol

[@ohwell2790]

I have been watching these people like Christina and at the age of 77 bought a cheap trail bike. Not being young anymore have set it up more like a urban hybrid bike. The main thing was getting the bars up so not so bent over. Having fun after healing from a triple by pass and loos of over %40 of the heart mussel. Up to 10 mile rides and having fun doing it. Hope to keep in shape and enjoy ridding again for a long time. Thanks to watching young people getting out and doing what she does helped a lot.

[@mattcardarelli]

Christina has been an amazing addition to Pinkbike. Her energy is truly inspiring.

[@TurbineResearch]

Christina's story is such a inspiration. What a cool person !

[@lewishiggins1620]

Christina you are so talented on a bike and in front of the camera. Your intellect, passion and warm personality shine. Keep doing great things and being your authentic self!

[@drmoynihan]

Oh Christina, LOL :) !!!! I'm 69yrs young - is that the Masters Category? I really am laughing. You are one of my FAVORITE PRESENTERS!!! Each time you present, I learn - my skill and confidence increases. Thank you Christina for sharing, not just your story, but yourself with us. :) P.S. Yep - Louisiana. Our Daughter finished Tulane U the year before Katrina. But running from Hurricanes was a yearly sport for them - something we really didn't anticipate when she left rainy muddy wonderful (mountain biking) Oregon, for flip-flop crazy New Orleans. :)> She married a young man from Louisiana, and I just talked to his Dad yesterday - and they are frozen in!!! CRAZY!!!

[@espem88]

Loads of respect for her. We have similar backgrounds and seeing her progress from soccer to boarding to mtb hypes me up!

[@rayshaver2359]

Just found Christina and really enjoy her video's. I think her body position on the bike is so on point, I like to watch as a reminder of how to point hips thru the turn. She's very balanced and of course great on camera.

[@barryray275]

What a great video. I love watching anything with Christina, bags of talent and personality.

[@ceebs023]

Christina Rocks such a great personality! and she rocks with that trek slash cant be mad at that ;)

[@kathyljohnson6203]

Love this! So glad to find Christina and Pinkbike - great videos/tutorials. Thanks and great job, Christina!

[@scottpink2013]

such a awesome interview and great to hear the back story and how you got into mtb. down to earth and so nice to see you talk to people of all skill levels, beginner or pro! thanks for the great content and keep up the hard work!!!

[@thecount1001]

observations: incredible energy level. a physical specimen. driven risk taker. great communicator. hope she slows down a bit and stays out of hospitals!

[@573phn8]

Christina's vids are the best! Great to see a smaller human showing us how it's done. As a small man, I really appreciate Christina's inclusion in the PB team.

[@fundabidozi4016]

Nice to hear your story, Christina! Obviously I've seen you in a lot of Pinkbike videos, but didn't know anything about you or your race career until I watched this. I love stories like yours and they're a massive inspiration to me! I'm also aiming to get to the EWS and already got an entry to a qualifier race in May. Keep dreaming big and being yourself! Cheers from UK!

[@r_quon]

So awesome to hear Christina’s story! Great vid and great job Christina!

[@ridesantacruzbikes]

Thank you for this, Pinkbike. Christina is a beacon of quality and charisma.

[@DrShredder]

Girl has grit persevering through all those injuries! Super gifted/skilled presenter and rider 🤘🏼

[@pinkbike]

Thank you! They seem to happen less now but still never fully bomb proof. -Christina

[@ls66]

My favorite mountain bike presenter! Pretty tough too!

[@ginogetsshreddy_mtb86]

Really great video! Christina is a awesome rider and very great presenter. Love watching all the how to videos.

[@m.bird.]

Throwing yourself into those "Having no idea what you're getting into and doing it anyway" moments is so freeing. Possibilities unfold! Love your Pinkbike content Christina.

[@JoseRodriguez-rl3ch]

Loved getting to know a little bit about you and how you got into MTB. I totally agree what you said about what draws us into MTB.. the camaraderie and the places you can see only accessible on a mountain bike. I love you, keep doing these awesome videos…God bless you. From Indiana.

[@Ricci___]

Thank you for sharing your story Christina, you're awesome - Keep it up!

[@darksidecarnival5385]

I really enjoyed that! I love her attitude. These are the people that drive our sport and bring more people to the fun of mountain biking 😊 I'm looking forward to more of her instructional videos

[@Nicoya]

What an amazing demonstration of passion. You've really earned every bit of success you've achieved!

[@pinkbike]

Thank you very much, I appreciate that so much -Christina

[@pauladema572]

Christina is awesome. Attitude, persona, well spoken ....she's got it all.

[@sandywith-e-man3041]

Thanks for sharing Christina! Great to know your hard work and crashing paid off!! ✌🏼

[@ffBkLee]

I learned so much from you. You're born to do this. Stoking me and other old dad bikers with confidence!

[@andrewross219]

That was an excellent video. Your journey so far is incredible. I appreciate the content you have been putting out! My son is shredding hard on his balance bike and I'm new to mountain biking since August 2020 and this has been our thing. When you mentioned how he will out grow me in skills and take off that hit me in the feels! I guess I'll be following your videos for a while to try and keep up!

[@dadbod4life]

Christina, i love love love your story!! I hope you are proud of yourself, you deserve to be!!

[@mauort6870]

Cool video. Dope to hear how her commitment keeps taking her forward

[@calinr1686]

What an amazing life story! Thank you for putting yourself out there, surely it wasn't an easy thing to do👏. I think you are a great inspiration and motivation for people around the world (well into/just about starting to/thinking about) mountain biking. Not only that, but it will hopefully reiterate that mtb is a sport for all genders, all ages and all levels of skill and encourage anybody to join in. The more we are the better🤘

[@GreatCreative]

This is a great piece. I've been mountain biking in BC for over 20 years and Christina's videos and tips help me be a better rider. Also - shout out to Slidell! My wife practiced in the PT department at Slidell Memorial Hospital back in the late 90's.

[@ChrisAkAxTr3Me]

Such an awesome person.. what a wonderful life full of ups and downs and she is really living her dream! Couldn't do anything better.

[@BrunoLeitao]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 said it on the first video with Christina and I'll say it again! She rocks! Great addition to the team!

[@kumagka1599]

This is awesome!! Please do more video like this! Love you Christina!!

[@omarcarrillos2727]

Thank You PB for bring Christina to the team. Greetings from Colorful/wonderful Colorado.

[@tapout123ism]

she is so awesome keep going love this video we need more people like her mountain biking

[@junjunmulleda5467]

Thanks for sharing your back ground story. Probably one of the best additions to the PinkIke team. Keep up the fun videos that always make me want to get out on the bike.

[@pinkbike]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support -Christina

[@seanporter113]

Excellent video Christina. I enjoy the pinkbike series’ that I’ve watched religiously since the beginning. Nice to see your story… very inspiring.

[@sonofagreatsouthernland]

Great example of passion and hardwork resulting in a dream outcome for Christina.

[@jonathanangieri153]

Christina is awesome! You can tell just how genuine she is. Pinkbike made a very wise decision in bringing her on.

[@williamflynn4408]

Best video I have seen in a long time great work Christina and pink bike

[@bongers94]

Humble beginnings!she's such a natural!🤘

[@ernestjohnson4436]

Awesome story Christina just doing what u love. It has lead u to travel and to see different things and different places. Keep doing what u love and spead the love

[@nathanh2875]

Epic video. I ran into Christina over a couple summers at Evolution, like she said she's exactly the same in the videos as she was in the shop, which was sharing the stoke for bikes and super nice. The whole team at Evolution have been awesome every year I visited Whistler. Keep the awesome videos coming :)

[@RobbisTV]

Awesome story, and video! Thanks for sharing :D Christina you're inspiring me to want to make the pilgrimage to BC and live in my car until I find stability. I've been on the fence about it, and not wanting to move away from my family, but his story makes me really want to just go for it! Thanks for sharing, I hope to get out there real soon. What an inspirational story :D Keep crushing it Christina! 😃👊🤘

[@congerscott6064]

Great video Christina, i just got done watching a video with you being coached on going off some "BIG" jumps and i can honestly say im totally impressed with your riding skills, i hope to see more videos, great job, thanks 👍🏆.

[@dolffazer1000]

I'm a new fan for sure. She's so humble and inspiring 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@kuraitabinin]

I just watched your climbing video about a week ago and found myself fully engrossed with it. Your passion for the sport just pours out of you. It was great to watch. It’s easy to identify because I feel very much the same. LOL. This video was awesome! Seeing where you started, the struggles you went through...and oddly enjoyed...LOL. It was great to see and it genuinely kind of brings back my stoke to ride. I’ve been riding since the early 90s and I’ve watched the sport evolve over that time and somehow I’ve managed to keep up with it...kind of. I’m still a slow climber but now I just don’t care. I only climb to get to the next descent. THAT I can do well. I suck at jumps though...especially gaps so I will be eagerly awaiting any videos you do detailing that! Keep doing what you’re doing. Watching your videos just makes me immediately think, “Yeah...that’s someone I’d love to ride with!”

[@laurabonet8568]

Thank you so much Christina. You’re just awesome!!!

She's such a sweetheart, best addition to PB ever.

[@dwade9]

No pain no gain I guess. Such a great character and so kind-hearted, great video!

[@timbraulke3346]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing. I like the “bridging the gap” idea very much👍🏼

[@davidbakelaar1486]

Great job Christina. Pretty sure you rented me my Santa Cruz V10 a few years ago when I was a Whistler celebrating my 50th. Never too late!

[@wozm9924]

Wow, what an impressive woman! Overflowing with performance and personality.

[@AndreasHappyfarm]

Christina, you are the best presenter on Pinkbike. Mad skills in every thing you do. Hope they pay you well.

[@scottbowman5673]

Thank you! Such an inspiration, love you shows. Keep up the great work, been riding some sort of bike my whole life, I’m 51 now and have been riding for my health and my daughter and is the best thing ever. Just got a new TREK marlin 7 in November and put about 170 miles on it since, it cold here in Minnesota right now but Spring is on it’s way. Can’t wait to get out and ride again, I hope that my love of riding bike and my daughters love of it now will stay with her till she gets at least my age and later. Keep up the great work and bike on!🤘🏼

[@pinkbike]

That's amazing Scott! Love it! Bikes have a way of bringing together people for sure. I remember my dad taking me on a ride around the neighborhood, I must have been 12, and I crashed into him avoiding a car hahaha he was not stoked. Possibly the last ride we went on together, he stays clear of me now -Christina

[@AlexGifford5150]

Slidell! Awesome my wife is from New Iberia! You’re a great member to pink bike! Thanks for sharing your story, love the Cajun women y’all are tougher than all!

[@slaggybuttonit]

Love your work, Christina. Interesting to hear that you and Tom each have an awful heatstroke experience ...

[@MikeesTexas]

Super inspirational Christina! I already love what you bring to pinkbike. YOU ARE AWESOME!!! I love the way you "talk bike" Stay awesome!!!!!

[@pinkbike]

Thank you! It was actually difficult to watch myself "off script" and just rambling haha but stoked people enjoyed seeing me for me -Christina

[@Britishnate]

Very cool to learn a bit more about Christina.

[@lamefart]

Great addition to the team.. One tough rider!

[@markgrimshaw4761]

FANTASTIC story you are some lady 👊 thank you for sharing it & all the very best 😃👍

[@brianhely3910]

The coolest, very inspirational story, seriously awesome voice and perspective

[@dennisossianderrmplmtcst2053]

Congratulations Christina! You are a natural athlete and a natural presenter. Dig in, stay healthy and enjoy your journey. You will go far as a rider, a commentator and a leader in the recreational sports industry. Very best wishes to you and your growing career! Kindly, Dennis

[@ride-time]

Christina is such a great presenter with a refreshingly down to earth character. Can Ride too!

[@pinkbike]

Thank you! Just keeping it real -Christina

[@barbbrazes869]

Christina is great!! Love her videos! Very impressive!!

[@createbalancewithcarissaha3406]

Aww that’s how we know you! The Breck crew and shuttles! We watched all of a Pink Bike Academy, my hubby Leigh just sent me this video and I realized we met you through Mike without even watching it. Small world. How fun! Killin it Christina!

[@pinkbike]

OMG Yes! haha wild hey? Seems like a lifetime ago. I love how small the mtb world really is -Christina

[@pindolpindolek9926]

This interview was very compelling and she seems to be so nice.

[@soultribe9]

The one and only Christina!!! I love her and her videos!!

[@pinkbike]

Thank you!!!! -Christina

[@bubbagump5002]

Love all the pinkbike vids. Christina is an awesome presenter, comes across as humble and down to earth. Shreds like a boss. Damn I wish she was single 😥. Love and strength to all the pinkbike team 🤘.

[@arthurcutting9227]

Great interview, I love watching Christina and seeing all the places I can't ride in BC because of the border. I do wish she would help the guys at PB with their fashion choices. Talk about grim donuts.

[@pinkbike]

hahaha too funny! Trying to bring more women's PB gear to the market. Hope to see you up here this summer, fingers crossed! -Christina

[@boringuserhandle]

Christina is probably the best KZbin/MTB person around. Always enjoy her videos.

[@emilyjordan2208]

You’re an inspiration, Christina!

[@ciprian_s]

You’re awesome ! Lucky us to have your vlogs ! Your my favorite from Pinkbike. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@pinkbike]

Thanks Ciprian, appreciate that for sure! -Christina

[@sripavanv]

Very nice interview. So humble

[@andybrad4721]

I love listening to this gal. She rocks.