Pursuit Awards Cycling Program — Distance to Empty

The DTE Pursuit Awards empower Colorado-based women with cycling ambition to achieve their goals.

Meet The DTE 2025 Pursuit Award Riders.

Annie Leithead is a passionate cyclist and aspiring medical professional based in Boulder, Colorado. Originally from suburban New Jersey, Annie’s love for the outdoors blossomed during her time at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she found solace in the rural dirt roads and embraced cycling as a means of adventure and self-expression. After graduating in February of 2024, she relocated to Boulder, drawn by its vibrant cycling community and the surrounding “Boulder Playground” of biking, skiing, and running.
Annie’s relationship with the bike has been one of self-discovery. Cycling has become a tool for her to embrace her boy’s strength, and through gravel racing, she’s learned to lean into her power, push her limits, and seek joy in both the pain and the beauty of the ride. She believes cycling is not just about fitness but about redefining strength, and she is committed to pushing her performance further in 2025, honing her skills, and testing her limits.
Alongside cycling, Annie is pursuing a medical career focusing on women’s health, specifically in rural spaces. She is passionate about creating equitable access to healthcare and empowering women to take control of their health. Beginning medical school this upcoming year, she looks forward to continuing her education and integrating her love for biking and healthcare to foster community well-being.
Annie’s goal is to compete in the gravel scene, break down barriers, and prove that anyone belongs in this community, regardless of when they start cycling. She hopes to spread the Distance to Empty (DTE) mission while developing her technical skills and empowering others to find strength and joy through cycling.

Erin Hall is a passionate mountain biker from Fort Collins, Colorado, with over 35 years of experience riding. At 60, Erin has embraced the challenges of racing and training, learning the value of consistent effort and mental resilience. After completing her first race with a training plan in 2024, Erin was thrilled to find herself on the podium for the first time, even beating her own personal bests.

A dedicated mom to two children—Sinclair, a fashion design student, and the late Malcolm, who died unexpectedly in 2021. He was 18 years old and working on a career in music. Erin has found solace in mountain biking as a healing practice. She honors Malcolm’s memory by riding in his spirit, using biking as a way to cope with grief. In addition to her athletic endeavors, Erin works full-time as the Chief of Staff for TriWest Group, where she helps improve mental health care and addiction treatment nationwide.

Erin's life has been marked by her fight against cancer and in memory of her brother and father who battled colon cancer. She continues to face health challenges, including a recurrence of thyroid cancer, but remains determined to keep moving forward, returning to training just two weeks after surgery.
Erin is a board member of 3Hopeful Hearts, an organization supporting families after the death of a child. She is inspired by women older than her and seeks to be a role model to younger generations, encouraging them to push beyond their limits and pursue their goals. Erin’s 2025 goals include podium finishes in the 60+ category at the Dakota 5-0 and Tipperary Creek races, and to continue improving her physical performance in light of the challenges posed by menopause.

When not racing, Erin is using her bike as a place of healing and reflection, embracing the journey of rediscovery in her post-menopausal body. She is committed to learning more about nutrition, training, and the unique needs of active women in her age group.

Rachel Frey is a passionate cyclist who found her love for the mountains while working at a bakery near Glacier National Park in 2020. Originally from Michigan, Rachel’s journey took a transformative turn when she thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021—a life-changing experience that deepened her connection to the outdoors. In 2021, Rachel moved to Boulder, Colorado, initially planning to stay for just a year. But three years later, she calls Boulder home, embracing the vibrant outdoor and cycling communities it offers.

Rachel's cycling journey began after a severe climbing accident left her with shattered ankles and an ankle fusion, making most activities involving standing or running difficult. Cycling became her lifeline, offering a way to stay active and reconnect with the outdoors. What started as a means of mobility turned into a passion for racing and exploring new trails.

In 2023, Rachel embraced competitive cycling, seeking to push her limits while maintaining the joy and adventure that first drew her to the sport. Her primary goal on the bike is to keep having incredible adventures while exploring new terrains. However, she also has a competitive side and is determined to excel in racing in 2025, pushing her endurance, strength, and skills to new heights.

Rachel is passionate about breaking down the intimidating walls in cycling, especially for those who come to the sport later in life. She believes that with the right support and mentorship, anyone can find their place in the cycling world.