Splitting her time between Kauai and the rest of the world, mountain biker JO Petterson spends a fair part of the year on the road. She's ridden her bike in some amazing places and is pretty darn good at living out of a suitcase. There's more to this lass than spokes and brake pads ...

Travel for me firstly means packing. The reality of it is always packing and unpacking. Secondly it means adventure. Every step of travel is an adventure, from talking with people at airports, to eating delicious new foods, to having the best cappuccino you can find at gas stain stops. I love to travel.

I am on the road most of the time. On and off all year. It does get slower in the winter months, but now that I have a full time job as well as racing, I think I'll be on the road all year.

My first holiday was probably when I was almost four. It wasn't a holiday for my parents who decided to adventure from living on a small farm in South Africa to Greece for some wild hairbrained idea my father had to start a restaurant. Or something like that! All I remember is being on the beach and pedal boats, jelly fish and adventuring in an old topless jeep.

That was my first real 'travel' experience that trip to Greece, and from there to San Francisco and finally to Kauai where I live.

I get inspired to go places by suggestion, the images in magazines usually make me believe something is going to be amazing. I used to spend hours on end paging through National Geographic magazines, mostly admiring the photography and the places captured in them.

The next place I'd really like to go is Kauai because it is home to me. My family is there and I'd just love to see them sooner rather than later.

My favourite place to mountain bike is anywhere with a good crew of fun people because I find riding to be really enjoyable with friends and people that are having fun enjoying one of the greatest sports out there.

I would love to go back to Morzine or Fort William because I love the riding there, the people, the atmosphere and I have had some of my favorite days riding in both places so I'd love to go back!

The biggest lesson I ever learned from travelling is just let it slide, take things in your stride and carry on. It can't always go entirely smoothly, and it certainly won't make anything better if you get all worked up and lose your temper over small things. People respond to kindness much better than anger.



I have seen to so many amazing places in my life and been so lucky to follow my dream, but the best view is always the view of the island of Kauai as the plane approaches the airport. I always try to sit on the left hand side of the plane so I can see home come into view. That's my favorite.

I had the best meal ever in Santa Rosa, California believe it or not. I went to a Thai restaurant there with my girlfriend and we had the best meal ever! The water was infused with cucumber and strawberry I think and it was amazing! And the food just made us want to visit Thailand. Just delicious!

I love mountain biking because it's absolutely freeing. Trails and mountain, dirt, trees, the rush of air all across my skin. Sometimes it is cold, sometimes, hot. The ability to explore and explore and explore. I love mountain biking because I started doing it 12 years ago and it has taken me all around the world following my dream. I've traveled to so many different places and met so many amazing people. The mountain bike world is great!

I would recommend everyone go to their local trails and ride because then you will be really fit for that trip you take to Morzine or Whistler, or any other destination bike place you want to visit!

When I'm not travelling I like to cook and grow a veggie garden. I like to surf, LOVE to surf actually. I like to spend time with my family, and read. Oh I'd love to read a book in a hammock in the shade. But wouldn't we all!

Joanna is sponsored by Specialized Bikes, G-Form , Maxxis Tires, Clif Bar and Alex Wheels


Me and my travels series