Words by Pro Mountain Biker, Mother, and Yakima Ambassador Rachel Strait.
“As a female athlete, I always knew that one day I wanted to get married and start a family. But I also knew I didn’t want to wait until retirement to do it. I wanted our children to grow up immersed in our lifestyle—traveling, exploring, and experiencing the world alongside us. Of course, the fear of the unknown crept in, filling my mind with endless “what ifs.” But despite the uncertainties that come with starting a family, Kyle and I took the leap, welcoming our baby girl into the world in February 2021. Life changed, but not in the way you might expect.
By the time Stevie was three months old, we were back on the road as if nothing had changed. With international travel still limited due to COVID, our adventures took place on the open road—and she thrived. She slept best in her car seat or tucked into our rooftop tent, and she genuinely seemed to love discovering new places. For Kyle and me, the adjustments were real, but the key to making it all work was planning ahead. A solid schedule, clear communication, and defined roles kept things running smoothly, making travel not only possible but enjoyable.
Our philosophy was simple: Just get on the road. If we forgot something, we’d figure it out along the way. The hardest part was always leaving the house, but once we started moving, there was no turning back—only the thrill of the journey ahead.
One of the things that made our journey even more special was sharing it with family and friends. Traveling together brought a new level of joy and support, especially as Stevie grew older. We found ways to balance our riding with parenting—taking turns doing laps while friends and family watched her in between runs. I even managed to qualify in slalom at Sea Otter that way, as both Kyle and I were racing. The community really rallies around you, and that support makes all the difference.
Fast forward to today—Stevie is now four years old, and in January, we welcomed our second baby into the world. With a family of four, we knew it was time to rethink a few things. So, we upgraded from our enclosed travel trailer to a larger RV, giving us more space to embrace the next chapter of our adventure. This summer, we’re setting out to test the RV lifestyle. Our plan remains the same—hit the open road, kids in tow, and continue living the life we love. As long as they’re happy and thriving, so are we.
For us, blending parenthood with adventure hasn’t been about sacrificing one for the other. It’s been about making small adjustments, staying flexible, and embracing the beauty of the unknown. There will always be challenges, but there will also be moments of pure magic—watching our babies take in the world with wide-eyed wonder, feeling the crisp morning air in a new camping spot, or simply enjoying the stillness under the stars.
Life is meant to be lived, and for us, that means doing it with two kids in tow.”
