Your name: Miss Cory Coffey
age:24
Native city: Ojai, Calif.
sponsors: DC, Specialized, ODI and Optical Utopia
How did you start riding BMX?
There were some younger guys in my neighborhood who were racing bmx bikes, and they encouraged me to go get one… so I did and started going to the race track with them. I raced for about 3 years and then realized I wasn’t much into pedaling so I started going to a local indoor skatepark and that was the start of my ramp career… 7 years ago, wow!
You were the first girl to do a backflip. What made you do it, how many times did she take you, and what is the process behind doing it.
Yeah, I was the first woman in the world to do a backflip on a bicycle… I was 19 years old and was spending a couple of months in Pennsylvania at Woodward Camp… A guy named Jay Rodriguez was kidding. with me one day saying we were going to learn backflips that night…I said yeah sure whatever…well I guess I was more serious than I thought…so that night I started learning them in the foam pit… I think on the second try I got the rotation down, and within a week or so I was pulling them on the box jump. Then I unleashed it in a contest there at Woodward called the CFB contest. I fell pretty bad the first two times, but the adrenaline was pumping and I was determined to shoot… the third time I did. I never really thought it was that important… now that I think about it, it’s great to make history. Basically, I think it’s one of the easiest tricks in the book…all you have to do is commit to it…make sure you have enough speed, a good enough box jump, and just sit back, locate your landing and ready. go!
What other sports do you like to do then?
I really like snowboarding in the winter and occasionally mt. ride a bike… I also like to play on skateboards. I grew up skateboarding, so it’s always fun.
What was it like to be one of the only female cyclists in a world dominated by men?
sport?
Well, when I was younger, I never realized that I was the only girl in the skatepark. As the years went by, I thought she was great. She could keep up with the boys, and the boy to girl ratio was obviously in my favor. ha ha
Besides you, there are other female cyclists who really
made some headway in promoting the sport for girls. What do you think
about the women’s scene as a whole?
I think it definitely is. growing, which is amazing… and I see more and more events that include women’s categories, which is pretty amazing. A few years ago that was unheard of…
What female cyclists come to mind and what do you think about your
competitive opponents?
That’s one thing I don’t enjoy is the competitiveness… that’s what I didn’t like about racing… I just see it as riding a bike having fun, traveling the world and meeting new people.
Is it competitive between the girls, or is it more of a friendship?
I think there is def. some people out there that are competitive, but that comes with any sport. I know a lot of the girls are just like me and are excited to see other girls riding.
Where do you see the future of women’s BMX?
Honestly, who knows. the world is endless in opportunity, and if we keep pushing the limits, it could be just like any other sport.
Do other athletes from other sports inspire you? If so, who?
Yes, I am always inspired by other female athletes…Aimee Mullins is a Paralympian who is beyond amazing…her courage, strength and who she is pushes me. I think free skier Sarah Burke is great. Lisa Whittaker in skateboarding is really great, along with Cara-beth Burnside in skateboarding and snowboarding.
What else do you do besides riding BMX: hobbies, activities, travel?
I love going out with friends, going to the beach, walking, eating. Traveling is also an amazing thing. I love going to new places and meeting people, experiencing different cultures/foods.
Do you have a favorite movie star or movie?
I have some favorite movies… Vanilla Sky, Donnie Darko and Winged Migration.
Who are your favorite bands/singers?
BoySetsFire, The Spill Canvas and José González.
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
Probably the coolest place I’ve ever been to has been Africa… I really want to go back there… So many things to do, beautiful scenery, amazing people and one of the best places in the world!
What did you want to be when you grew up (besides a professional cyclist)?
I have always wanted to be a housewife. I am also currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Management Technology at Cal State Los Angeles.
Do you have any words for all the girls who are reading this?
If you want something in life, go and get it. Practice really does make perfect. Never let anything or anyone get in the way of your dreams!
Greetings and thanks?
Thanks to Dwayne Taylor for always believing in me, friends, family, Specialized for always giving me my bikes, all my sponsors and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!