I'm Lindsey Lavender, 35 years old and currently living in Longmont, CO. I got started with DTE in 2024 as a pursuit award rider. I still remember typing out my application one-handed while my other arm was in a full-arm cast, thinking to myself 'why not take a chance?' And boy am I glad I did. My first race was back in 2022 but it wasn't until I got started with DTE that I was able to show up at the start line with a newfound confidence. My favorite event EVER is Crusher in the Tushar, big surprise there since I really only want to ride uphill, but my favorite event with team DTE was AdventureFest weekend this past season. Getting to camp out with teammates and volunteer at the aid station for the mountain bike event (and using my copious amounts of energy to cheer everyone on) filled me up in a really cool way. Racing the gravel race the next day was really just the icing on the cake.

Off the bike, I’m a mental health advocate committed to helping others navigate trauma and reclaim their strength. At home I’m surrounded by my three dogs—the little loves of my life. MJ, my brilliant and sassy Australian Shepherd, keeps us all in line, while Franklin and Arlo, my goofy pug-mix littermates, bring all the humor and the best underbites you’ve ever seen.

I’m incredibly excited to be part of the 2026 Elite Team and can’t wait for the adventures, races, and community we’ll build together.