Rachael Walker
Rachael Walker got into mountain biking relatively late at the age of 18, as a natural progression from snowboarding. Rachael’s twenties were split in two – lengthy days in London as a corporate lawyer broken up by weekends disappearing into the woods. It soon became clear which was more important; after coming to the end of a case Rachael managed to secure a six-month sabbatical to really get into biking. Unfortunately, six weeks in, she broke both wrists in a downhill race in Scotland, and before she knew it was back behind her desk doing eighteen-hour days.
With a taste of a different life, Rachael jumped at the chance to join Hope, where she has been for the last seven years. Today, Rachael is a brand manager for Hope and Hopetech Women, heading up their visionary programme to inspire and support other female riders. This involves organising rides around the county and providing women with a chance to try out demo bikes. Rachael herself races all over the world.