Cycle News

ASHLEY FIOLEK I t's been a while since we've seen Ashley Fiolek on the podium, but the four-time Women's Pro National MX Cham- pion is still twisting the throttle, these days aboard a Husqvarna 125cc two-stroke, which she can't seem to get enough of. We caught up with her at the Husqvarna Women's Ride Day at Cahuilla Creek MX, the strictly girls-only event the company proudly of- fers for its female employ- ees (and KTM employ- ees). It was there we got to catch up with Fiolek, a long-time proponent of women's riding and racing, and to watch her spin some impressively quick laps aboard her TC 125. And we chatted with her about her AFMX (Ash- ley Fiolek MX) Schools that have been keeping her busy. Q. What are you up to these days? I've been doing the AFMX Schools and train- ing kids. I've also been mountain biking, snow- boarding and I've been traveling a lot. I've been doing filming and pho- toshoots for Husqvarna and Fox Racing and also Monster Moto mini bikes and spending time with the family. Q. You have always felt very strongly about getting more girls involved in motocross. How do you feel about be- ing out here at the Husqvarna Women's Ride Day? I think it's awesome how Husky sets this up for women, you know? They treat women the same as guys and that's awesome, because I've always worked hard to get that. I love that Husky is trying to get more women involved to help support and grow the sport. I had a great time today. Q. Is your AFMX School just for girls or is it for anyone? Anyone can do it but I'm trying to get my schools to be mostly girls because there aren't many women coaches. So I try to cater more to women riders. I know that a lot of girls look up to me and most girls want to practice with another girl. I try to make it fun. It's not a serious school; it's all about having fun. If you want to take it seriously, it's at your own discretion—how much you want to get out of it. Q. Would you say that guys and girls learn differently? I think they learn the same. The technique is the same. But I think what happens is that girls think, 'I have to be faster than the boys,' because boys just go for it. But girls are smarter [laughs]. No offense! But they look at the lines and it's more about technique. Boys just go for it; they have more muscle. Girls have a different body type. The boys can push harder because they're strong, but training's a little bit different. It's more about technique [for girls]. Q. What would you say to girls who want to consider learning to ride, but might still be a little hesitant about it? I would say no pres- sure. It's a slow process. Just go, have fun, just learn. There's step one, step two, step three, don't get frustrated. It's up to you. But come to my school. I'll help you out! Q. Where are you doing your schools? California and Flori- da? All over. If you ask me to do a one-day, I'll fly there if you get more than 10 students. It's a lot more work but it's always fun to travel. (Find out more about Ashley Fiolek MX School at AFMXschool.com.) Jean Turner CHAT ROOM IN THE WIND P38 PHOTO BY JEAN TURNER

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