Born and raised in the Sea to Sky region, Miranda Miller’s driven approach to cycling has undoubtedly been shaped by her environment. Was it her early years in the hardscrabble, then unknown town of Pemberton that formed her determined, focused attitude towards her chosen path of downhill mountain bike racing? Or has it been the family-like support of local Squamish sponsors that has crystallized that commitment to cycling? A third-place finish this year at the World Cup DH stop in Leogang, Austria, and a first place finish in the Garbo DH at Crankworx in Whistler has made everyone take notice. Whatever the source of her determination, it’s apparent that this Squamish local has her sights set on some big goals.
- Who is Miranda Miller?
I am a 26 year-old Squamish local who promised she was only going to take one year off from school to ride… eight years ago. I suppose it’s easiest to define myself as a cyclist.
- What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The feeling of accomplishment brings me much happiness. Whether it’s a good race run, a challenging ride or workout, the feeling of having pushed yourself, or having moved a step forward makes me happy. Or, when you take your shoes off after a massive day on the bike. Also, I’m a big fan of warm weather and good food.
- What is your greatest fear?
Other than falling in a pit of snakes? My greatest fear would be to have cycling, specifically mountain biking, taken away from me before I had accomplished all that I wanted. I’ve been injured enough to know the feeling of desperation when you’re forced to stop, even if for a relatively short period of time and it can be terrifying.
- What is your current state of mind?
I guess I currently have a bit of a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude these days. I’ve had a couple strong results this season and I think it was the encouragement I needed to start back from injury. Sometimes when you’re hurt, you can forget why you’re doing what you’re doing. Like I said above, the smallest amount of accomplishment makes me happy.
- You’re coming off a few season’s worth of injuries, what’s your key to recovering strong?
Since 2007, I’ve only had four seasons where I wasn’t injured or recovering from an injury. Each injury presents its own set of challenges and I’d be lying if I said I just stayed ‘super positive’ because that’s bullshit. I try and remain as active as possible to help aid physical healing, but also to remain semi-sane. Injuries weigh me down mentally and physically and they never seem to get easier. But one thing that I’ve always known is that I’m not ready to stop racing because I have many goals left to accomplish, so just knowing that doesn’t give me any other option than to keep trying. I’ve had a few moments when I’ve been so frustrated and angry that I think about giving up and then realize, ‘What else am I going to do?’ Everything else seems boring. I’ll pull back from racing on my own terms, not because I’m forced to.
- Favourite saying?
Perhaps more of a quote, than a saying.
“Somewhere in the archives of crudest instinct is recorded the truth that it is better to be endangered and free than captive and comfortable.” –Tom Robbins
- You just did a stint of Euro travel and racing. What’s your favourite non-biking thing about Europe? Least favourite?
Riding in Europe is amazing! My favourite non-biking thing about Europe would be the first week of dining… my least favourite thing would be week two and three of dining. So much bread and cheese. Also, it’s surprisingly hard to find good coffee.
- Ideal Squamish day?
It would involve Remi Gauvin and any other riffraff that was kicking around and keen on bikes. Trail ride in the morning, lunch at Locavore or Kozo and then a road ride in the evening. A perfect day ends when you’re tired and ready for it to end, haha.
- Favourite Squamish trail?
Angry Midget or Rupert. But 19th Hole will always have a special place in my heart, haha.
- Besides Squamish, where would you most like to live?
It’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. I lived in Pemberton until I was 12, and I love it there but I’ve grown so accustomed to being near the ocean. Also, I’m a small town kind of person. I think there’s something truly special about ‘knowing your neighbour’ so to speak. I guess if I had to move either Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast would good options, but Squamish is home.
- Which talent would you most like to have?
Easy, I’d love to be fluent in multiple languages… I barely have a grasp on English.
- Goals for the rest of the season?
I surpassed my beginning goals for the season when I finished 3rd at the Leogang, World Cup. I would like to continue with top 5 performances at the Downhill World Cups as well as at the few EWS (Enduro World Series) events I’ll be competing in. Also, I plan on defending my National Champion title later this month in Sun Peaks.
- Who do you ride for?
Supported Locally:
Susan Chapelle of Squamish Integrated Health