Over the past year, Emma Boggio has quickly become a familiar face at the shop and in the local cycling community. From standing on the top step of the podium in the BC Gravel Series to showing up for Wednesday night rides with the Steed Ride Club, Emma has embraced the sport with incredible enthusiasm.

We sat down with Emma to learn more about her journey into cycling, what she's learned through racing, and why she's only just getting started.

For those who don't know you yet, can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I'm Emma. I grew up in North Vancouver, and it feels like a privilege to still call it home with my husband, our two-and-a-half-year-old son, and our golden retriever. I spent about seven years living in Boston, which made me realize just how special our backyard mountains really are.

Professionally, I started my career as an accountant working in tax before moving into finance, where I've spent the past ten years doing sell-side equity research. I cover the mining sector, so I get to combine my love of financial modelling with my interest in geology.

Outside of cycling, we're usually in the mountains skiing, hiking, or running. I also love creative projects—everything from sketching and painting to leatherwork, furniture building, jewelry, and mixed-media art. I've always enjoyed making things with my hands.

Your cycling journey has really accelerated over the past year. What first drew you to cycling?

It really has.

I bought my first gravel bike, a Cervélo Áspero, in 2022 while I was still heavily focused on running after completing my first ultramarathon. At the time, I knew next to nothing about bikes and mostly used an old hardtail to try and keep up with my husband on weekend rides.

Everything changed after my son was born in late 2023. Since I had a C-section, I was able to get back on the bike before I could return to running, and that's when I completely fell in love with cycling.

A few friends convinced my husband and me to sign up for the Sea2Sky Gravel Fondo in 2024. I had so much fun that I immediately signed up for the entire Tri 1 gravel series the following season.

Around the same time, a coworker encouraged me to meet cycling coach Richard Wooles. I wasn't planning on taking cycling seriously, but after our conversation, I decided to give structured training a try. Within three months, I returned to Sea2Sky and finished 16% faster than the year before—even after accidentally riding extra distance. Since then, purposeful training has completely changed the way I approach the sport.

You're currently racing in the BC Gravel Series. How has the season been going so far?

The season has exceeded my expectations.

I opened with a win at River City Gravel Fondo despite multiple flat tires, where I learned the importance of staying calm and solving problems under pressure instead of letting them derail my race.

At West Coast Slugger, I dealt with another flat on an incredibly technical course but still finished first among the women and ninth overall. That race taught me a lot about equipment choices and preparing for demanding terrain.

Since then, I've continued to build momentum with victories at the Cowichan Crusher, Valley GranFondo, and Kettle Mettle. One of the highlights was my first-ever road race at Valley GranFondo. Racing in a large peloton in pouring rain was intimidating, but it gave me valuable experience with road tactics and group riding.

The Canadian Gravel Championships were bittersweet. I was leading the Masters women's field before the race was cancelled because of extreme heat. Even though we couldn't finish, it was still an incredible experience—especially watching my son ride his balance bike around the venue afterward.

The biggest lesson this season has been learning to trust myself. Early on, I often questioned whether I belonged at the front of the race. Now, I'm learning to trust my fitness, trust my preparation, and trust that I deserve to be there. That confidence has made a huge difference.

You recently got your first road bike, a Factor OSTRO VAM. Tell us about it.

It's been a complete game changer.

Until now, I'd been riding my gravel bike with a second set of road wheels for every road ride, including Wednesday Steed rides. I thought it felt great… until I rode the Factor OSTRO VAM.

The difference was immediate. Riding into a headwind almost feels like drafting compared to my gravel setup.

I love climbing, so I wanted something lightweight, but I also wanted an aerodynamic bike that could keep up on fast group rides. The OSTRO VAM struck that perfect balance between climbing performance and aero efficiency. And honestly, I think it's a beautiful bike.

It's also my first bike with electronic shifting and dedicated road pedals, which has completely transformed the riding experience. It's hard not to smile every time I ride it.

What made you want to join the Steed Race Team?

At my first race this season, I noticed just how many riders were wearing team kits. That got me curious, and after asking around, I learned more about the Steed Race Team.

Joining has been incredibly valuable. The team has become an amazing resource, whether I'm asking beginner questions, learning race tactics, or simply trying to hang on during Wednesday night rides.

There's something much more motivating about chasing a wheel than staring at power numbers during solo intervals. Everyone has been welcoming, supportive, and generous with their knowledge, and I'm excited to continue learning alongside them.

What are your goals moving forward?

Right now, I'm still very much in learning mode. My goals are simple: keep racing, keep learning, and keep having fun.

I came into cycling later than many riders, so I know there's still a lot for me to learn. One of the things I appreciate most about the Steed community is how welcoming everyone has been, whether it's sharing riding tips, teaching bike maintenance, or inviting newer riders into group rides.

Last fall, I joined one of Steed's gravel scavenger hunts because I wanted more group riding experience. That single ride introduced me to an incredible community that continued riding together all winter.

That sense of inclusion has made a huge impact on me, and it's something I'd love to help create for other riders who are just getting started. Cycling has given me so much more than fitness—it has introduced me to an amazing community, and I'm excited to see where the journey goes next.