National-level cross-country mountain biker and Pivot North Bay 8th grade student Aspen Revallo is reaching new heights on the trails, recently taking home first place in the girls’ 13-14 division at the 2026 XCC (Cross Country Short Track) Mountain Bike National Championship.
Aspen’s passion for the sport began at age four, riding alongside her father. Her competitive journey gained momentum when she joined her regional NICA team in 2024, and in March 2026, she stepped up to national competition after joining Slay Development.
Staying competitive on the national circuit takes Aspen10 to 14 hours of intense training every week. Thanks to Pivot’s independent study model, Aspen can build her school day around training sessions and competition travel without missing a beat academically.
Yet for Aspen, the steepest climb isn’t physical, it’s mental.
“I think the most challenging part for many people is self-motivation,” Aspen said. “It is way easier to say ‘I’ll do my ride later’ or ‘I don’t feel like it,’ but you really should just do it right then.”
That drive and self-discipline carry over seamlessly into her schoolwork, helping her manage her studies with the same focus she brings to the course.
Despite competing on national tracks across the country, Aspen’s favorite trail system is a local trail in Occidental called Gianni, a place she has been riding since before she was even on a pedal bike. With Pivot providing the flexible foundation she needs to balance high-level sport and academics, Aspen is free to chase her biggest goals — both in the classroom and on the trails.
