Before punching her ticket to her first Olympics and winning World Cups, Haley Batten grew up mountain biking in Park City. Haley's path to racing bikes at the highest level was cut into the local hills and at her own two wheels—the vast network of trails right here in Park City. The longs stretches of velvety dirt are her original inspiration and allowed her to grow into the competitor she is today.

Haley knew from a young age that she wanted to race mountain bikes at the highest level and got that chance in 2020, representing the U.S. in the Tokyo Olympics. She's had it again in the Paris games—winning a silver medal—the first for a U.S.A. mountain bike athlete. As Haley progresses in her remarkable career, she has the support of her hometown, memories of mountain biking in Park City, and the young women she inspires to follow in her footsteps. 

Early Spring Mix

May in Park City brings out some of Park City's most dynamic weather: wind, ominous clouds, rain, a bit of extra snow. Mornings are cool, afternoons can be hot. This mixed bag of conditions is split with windows of calm air, sunshine, and mild temps.

It's also a time of green and white—as the lower elevation trails dry out, they explode with shades of rich green grasses and leafing bushes while the snow caps up high remind us to reflect on winter and the year-round reasons we live, visit, and play in Park City. 

We shot Haley mountain biking between these spring storms and in the runup to one of her first major races of the season, the Pan American Championships held in nearby Soldier Hollow. It was early May. But the conditions didn't slow her down, she grasped at them with her tires, showing the same determination that would lead her to race to her first Olympic Medal. 

Congrats Haley, Park City is always rooting for you!