From Mum Life to Muddy Rides: Why I Started Trail Bloom

Hey, I’m Emily—founder of Trail Bloom, mum of two, long-time garment designer, and total MTB lover.

Before I launched this brand, I spent nearly 20 years designing clothing (yep, from silky nightwear to technical sportswear), but when I wasn’t knee-deep in patterns and production schedules, I was on the trails getting muddy. And honestly? That’s where this whole journey began.

🚴‍♀️ The Accidental MTB Rider

I didn’t actually mean to get into mountain biking. I was doing sprint triathlons, and a friend convinced me to sign up for a duathlon… then I realised it was off-road. I followed her down the red route for “training” and fell completely in love. The thrill, the challenge, the freedom—I was hooked. My road bike hasn’t seen much light since.

🩳 Where’s the Kit That Fits?

It wasn’t long before I hit my first MTB frustration: the kit. I couldn’t find anything that fit properly. I was constantly raiding my husband’s wardrobe or squeezing into women’s gear that was clearly designed for looks—not function. And I wasn’t the only one. On one ride with a group of friends, we all had the same complaint: why is it so hard to find decent MTB clothing for women?

So I decided to do something about it.

🌸 Trail Bloom Begins

Trail Bloom started with one floral print jersey, a couple of chamois shorts, and a lot of nerves. Online orders were slow at first (terrifying!), but our very first event changed everything. Women were coming up to us, saying, “Finally—this is what I’ve been looking for.” The feedback, the energy, the support—it made it clear that Trail Bloom had a place.

It’s not just me behind the scenes. Rachel has been there from day one, investing her time, energy, and heart. My husband has always been my rock (and my designated gear lugger!). And my friends—new and old—are the most incredible cheerleaders I could ask for. It’s a team effort, always.

💬 Why I Do It

Trail Bloom stands for inclusivity, comfort, and community. I want every woman, whatever her shape, size, or skill level, to feel like she belongs on the trails. Our kit is designed to fit real women’s bodies, to perform whether you’re chasing your kids through the forest or hitting the drops at a bike park.

Being a mum shapes everything I do—our bodies change, our time changes, our priorities change. I wanted gear that would keep up with my life and my bike.

When you put on Trail Bloom, I want you to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to ride—without giving your outfit a second thought.

✨ Looking Ahead

Our first year blew my expectations out of the water—we more than doubled the turnover I’d hoped for. But what really sticks with me is the community. I thought I’d feel like an outsider in MTB forever… but Trail Bloom has opened the doors to the most supportive, down-to-earth bunch of riders out there.

This year, we’re going bigger: more events, more product development, more chances to meet the amazing women who inspire this brand. I’m also working hard to get Trail Bloom stocked in more shops—and we’ve got exciting cold and wet weather gear in the works for Winter 2025.

💜 One Final Thought…

If you’ve ever felt like MTB gear wasn’t made for you—you’re the reason Trail Bloom exists. Whether you're riding once a week or every day, rolling into your first blue trail or your tenth enduro event, you belong here.

Thanks for being part of this.

– Emily
Founder of Trail Bloom