Rider Spotlight: Kalyn Benaroya
Name: Kalyn Benaroya
Age: 37
Fun fact about you(non racing related):
-I am a hairstylist with an ice cream addiction.
How long have you been riding/racing?:
-I started riding 11 years ago at 26yrs old and did my first race within 6 months. I only made it to the 2nd turn! I cannot believe I did that now!
Series:
-I just race for fun now! If there is a fun race and I’m feeling inspired, I'll sign up!
How did riding become a part of your life?:
-My boyfriend at the time (who I married!) persuaded me to try it out. Honestly, I wanted nothing to do with the sport! Now, I am totally hooked!
Who are your inspirations in the Moto industry?:
-There are so many! I am amazed at all of the incredible people I get to meet through riding and Dirtastic!
I own Dirtastic! We run women’s dirt bike clinics & events and are made up of 15 BADASS female coaches. I get work with, ride and know these ladies...there are not enough words to describe how amazing they are!
My husband and the guys who helped teach me how to ride have inspired me to become who I am today on and off the bike. Their patience, knowledge of the sport and respect for me has helped me become a better rider, giving me the opportunity to pass it on.
The Pro’s (specifically women): Keep pushing ladies! You inspire all of us to try harder, go bigger and faster!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve come across in the racing industry?:
-Dirt Biking is a male dominated sport (which I'm totally cool with) making it a bit more challenging as a female to ride! Dirt bikes and gear are built for average sized men, however with more women participating in the sport, brands will see that there is a need to create women’s specific gear. With more appropriate gear and equipment for smaller sizes, we will see more women progress further and faster in this sport!
How do you think things could be improved for women in the racing world?:
-We need get more women riding and racing! More women racing, will create more opportunities for Pro racers. Women’s Mountain Biking is making a great example of the possibilities that women can receive the same rewards as men on the Podium!
What advice do you have for young girls starting out in racing?:
-Stick with it! You will have so many incredible experiences and live a exciting life through riding & racing dirt bikes!
Where do you see yourself going with racing?:
-Personally, I have no plans to go anywhere with racing outside of having maximum fun! I won’t lie though, I am a bit competitive!
As an off-road rider who is lucky to get a lot of seat time, I continuously push myself to improve. I thrive when I am challenged! The best part of it, are the shared memories made with amazing humans! I have made friends with people coming from wildly different backgrounds around the Globe!
