news Hilary Noll Wins #ExperienceMCBC Photo Contest
Thanks to all those who entered the first #ExperienceMCBC Photo Contest on instagram! Everyone who submitted photos brought their unique approach to each image, and we enjoyed viewing each one. After the judges made their selection, we found each of them had these two images as either their first and second choices – since both of those were submitted by Hilary Noll, it was obvious she was the winner!
Congratulations Hilary! (She’ll soon be sporting a new MCBC Jersey – first prize for this month’s contest!)
Hilary was also kind enough to share a few thoughts about riding in the amazingly varied areas of Marin –
Name: Hilary Noll
Occupation: Architect / Sustainable Designer
Years Riding: 20+
General Location in Marin where you tend to ride most frequently, or where you most commonly use your bicycle.
I bike commute year round from home in Mill Valley into my architecture studio downtown in the City — so there’s a deep red line on my Strava heatmap along that well loved stretch! On the weekends I get out on longer West Marin rides, often up out to Marshall and PRS or the Alpine Dam Loop. Recently my husband and I have been doing more MTB in our backyard up in Tam— Hoo Koo E Koo is a favorite.
What part of your ride do you like the best?
It’s hard to pick just one part of my 16 mile commute route into in San Francisco, there are so many magical moments depending on the season, wildlife, weather. The solitude of winter riding before dawn through Bothin Marsh in a light rain; the adrenaline of powering yourself against relentless summer Golden Gate headwinds, pedaling through the fog as it waterfalls over the Headlands;
What do you like best about the benefits of riding your bike?
It’s enlivening to all the senses and makes me happier, sharper and stronger.
What would you have liked someone to tell you when you started?
“It doesn’t get any easier, you just go faster.” A painfully true quote I recently read that had me chuckling.
Why would others like to ride in Marin?
Incredible landscape, variety of terrain and routes, the long history of cycling and sense of community….and, compared to many places, courteous drivers.
What part of riding would you most like to improve?
The ability to bring my dog along for the ride!
Finally, if there’s a further message you would like to share with the people who ride bikes in Marin County – whether simple, encouraging or aspirational – what would that be?
There’s an increasing sense of animosity on the roads, so to combat that, “put yourself in another’s shoes”. Be predictable and communicative with others on the roads and trails, including drivers. Call out and say hello when passing or at a light – it’s courteous, friendly and you might even make a new friend.
Congratulations again, Hilary! And thank you for sharing such wonderful images!
Look for the next #ExperienceMCBC photo contest soon! Don’t forget to follow @marinbike on Instagram!
