Isabella Heinemann came to Cal Poly for mechanical engineering but found a community that shares her passion for an outdoor sport that has put her in the national spotlight.
Heinemann, a second-year student from Mill Valley, California, who is also a competitive mountain biker, was one of 19 Cal Poly students recently recognized by state lawmakers at the state Capitol in Sacramento for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Heinemann won top honors during the collegiate-level mountain bike national championships in October when she raced in all five events – downhill, dual slalom, cross country, short track and team relay – at the Purgatory Resort Bike Park in Colorado’s San Juan National Forest.
She took home bronze medals in the individual omnium (overall) dual slalom and downhill events while racing for Cal Poly Cycling in the women’s club division.
Cal Poly Cycling – a collection of students with a shared love for bikes – promotes cycling in all its forms, welcoming everyone from casual commuters to dedicated racers. The team offers weekly practices on local trails, social events and travel opportunities.
For Heinemann, Cal Poly Cycling is a respite from her studies and a connection to her friends.
“I get to ride with the people who now are my best friends, whether that’s for competition or recreation,” she said. “And I can encourage more people to join our fun community of adventurous people who get out there and have fun!”
Isabella Heinemann clears a jump in the Eucs on a trail just above the railroad tracks in San Luis Obispo.
Letting Loose and Going Full Gas
Heinemann characterizes fun as riding 80 miles with 6,500 feet of elevation gain, as she did with her Cal Poly Cycling teammates during the 10th annual Rock Cobber in Bakersfield on Feb. 11.
While not officially a race, Heinemann finished in under seven hours, nabbing 10th place in the field of over 50 female riders.
“Coming across the line, I didn’t even check my result,” she said. “I was just so happy with my whole ride that I was surprised when a teammate told me I got 10th place!”
The course she called wild and exciting involved climbing up a canyon in the middle of a cow pasture, sliding through the mud and even riding through someone’s house as the homeowner passed out donuts to the riders.
“With 30 miles to go, I still felt strong,” Heinemann said, “so I decided to let loose and go full gas. I caught a couple of teammates, found some solid groups to draft off and had a blast putting in a solid effort up to the last step hills and singletrack descents.”
Heinemann feels at home on any mountain, as she spent her childhood in the Bay Area racing with a ski team based out of Lake Tahoe and biking with her family.
In middle school, Heinemann joined the biking club her mom helped run, and in high school, she rode three times a week with her Redwood High team. She was selected for the BEAR National Team and competed in races across the country before choosing Cal Poly for mechanical engineering.
Heinemann connected with Cal Poly Cycling upon her arrival and discovered in the club a large contingent of mechanical engineering majors with a penchant for bikes and building things.
“It makes sense since we like things that move,” she said.
While not competition-focused, the team sends members to Western Collegiate Cycling Conference mountain races in the fall – including the Poly Canyon Classic – and road races in the spring.
To keep in mountain biking shape, teammates gather for weekly practices on trails at Cuesta Ridge, Cerro San Luis and Irish Hills Natural Reserve.
“My goal is to ride with fast people once or twice a week,” said Heinemann, adding she also jumps on her road bike for trips around town and down the coast, including a recent 105-mile trek to Santa Barbara.
Heinemann always carves out time for riding, citing benefits to her physical and mental health.
“I work so much better when I feel good and riding does that for me,” she said. “It’s a great way to get a workout and de-stress.
Visiting the Capitol
Heinemann takes any chance she gets to advocate for the sport she loves, including on a recent trip to the state Capitol in Sacramento.
Lawmakers on Jan. 30 recognized Isabella Heinemann and 18 of her distinguished peers on the floors of the state Assembly and Senate.
Lawmakers on Jan. 30 recognized Heinemann and 18 of her distinguished peers on the floors of the state Assembly and Senate. The students represented all six colleges at Cal Poly, including five from the College of Engineering,
The group was introduced to the Senate by Sen. John Laird and to the Assembly by Assemblymember Dawn Addis who both serve San Luis Obispo County. They also met with Karl Larson, high education adviser to Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.
“We talked to alumni who shared cool stories; we toured the Capitol; and we talked to our representatives who all are so enthusiastic about the work they are doing,” Heinemann said.
She plans to follow up with local officials to ensure they stay focused on improving bike routes around San Luis Obispo, including a bigger bike lane on Foothill Boulevard. She also aims to encourage those in the greater San Luis Obispo community to grab a mountain bike and go.
“A lot of people don’t realize it’s something they can do,” Heinemann said. “Riding might be intimidating, but the more you do it, the better you get.”
For More Information
Cal Poly Cycling holds general meetings at 8 p.m. every Wednesday in the Business Building in Room 112. Team members also gather for mountain and road rides every weekday. For more on the club, visit calpolycycling.com
By Emily Slater
