I’m Rachel! Currently based out west in Southern California, but a born and raised east-coast New Yorker. My early life included a NCAA D1 competitive swimming career at the US Military Academy and five years as an active-duty US Army officer. These days, I’m a program manager, freelance photographer, mountain biker, and skier. I love going outside, chasing sunrises on my bike, and finding views to take in, but I also deeply love staying in and baking sweet treats to share with friends. I'm grateful for every day!

Where do you live, and what’s your day job? I’m currently based in south Orange County, near Laguna Beach in a town called Aliso Viejo (if you’re local, you will definitely see me riding the Aliso Canyon and Laguna trails). During the week, I’m a program manager for Anduril Industries — we build advanced autonomous systems for the United States and its allies.

What are three passions you have outside of work?  Photography, mountain biking, and cooking/baking these days!

What do you do when you're not skiing/riding/biking? Honestly, day-job working! But when I’m not working and not outside, I’m at home, probably baking a new sweet treat I found on NYT Cooking, watching photography YouTube videos, calling friends and family, or maybe catching up on some sleep.

Something not many people know or would expect about you? Depending on who you ask, it’s either that I was on active duty in the military or that I have a freelance business as a photographer and content creator. Isn’t that hilarious? Sometimes, both are equally surprising!

What’s one piece of gear you swear by? The Freyah Bike Pant. I will literally never wear another pair of MTB pants.

Doughnuts or Bagels? Bagels!!!

Fur-Baby: Yes!! I have an Australian Shepherd named Luna, and she is the best adventure partner I could have ever asked for.

How do you give back to your community/what are some causes you support? I find a lot of fulfillment in encouraging and introducing the sport of mountain biking to other women. When I first started riding, it was evident that the narrative and marketing of the sport was heavily skewed towards men; I want to find other women in this arena and support them on their riding journeys - wherever they're at. 

Follow Rachel's Adventures: @rkimphoto