Traveling is just dream for many, but not for Chloe Woodruff, a Cottonwood Institute alumnus, whom we caught up with recently. Taking one of the first ever CAP classes, Chloe has come a long way from being a timid adolescent back in the day. Now she’s in charge!
What are you up to these days?
I own, manage, and race for a professional mountain bike team, the Stan’s-Pivot Pro Team. I work and train out of Prescott, Arizona and get to spend much of my life outdoors and traveling the world.
What CI programs did you take?
The Community Adventure Program at New Vista High School. I believe it was Ford’s first CAP class and it was my first real experience with taking the classroom outdoors.
What do you remember most about your CI experience?
We went winter backpacking near St Mary’s Glacier in Colorado. A storm rolled in and the conditions were brutal, but a small group of us got to work on building a quinzee for the night. It was hard, physical work, but it kept us warm and cozy inside for the night. I also didn’t sleep a wink because I was worried about it caving in. But it was sturdy.
What were the coolest skills you learned from CI that you have showed your friends and family?
Probably the most basic skill I learned was how to build and start a proper campfire, using a flint. But I haven’t practiced that skill much.
I also wrote a letter-to-the-editor of our local paper as a class assignment. I remember picking my topic because I had just read about a local guy in Boulder who was mapping dog poop he found on Boulder County Open Space. That seemed like a ridiculously Boulder thing to do and I wanted to write about it. The article I wrote was subtly sarcastic, and I was mortified when it was published, first in the Daily Camera and later in a Sierra Club newsletter, page 6 (“What’s the Scoop on Poop?”). But I worked hard on the piece and remember enjoying the process of researching, drafting, editing.
Looking back now, how has your CI experience impacted you long term?
The class pushed me outside my comfort zone in quite a few ways (e.g. sleeping in a quinzee, writing for an audience) and now my job requires that I constantly flirt with that edge. I’ve accomplished things I never would have dreamed of as a very timid and anxious adolescent.
How has your CI experience helped you create positive change in your community?
Ford clearly believed in his class and the power of the outdoors to transform and inspire. That left an impression. I keep motivated year to year as a professional athlete with the hope that my story can inspire others to get outside on a bike and get active.
Based on your CI experience what advice would you give to other students?
Just be open to opportunities and experiences.
To learn more about Chloe and her team, check out the links below:https://www.stanspivot.comhttps://www.stanspivot.com/team/chloe-woodruff/
Written by Chloe Woodruff, CI alumna
Get involved with our Cottonwood Institute alumni and community!
- Join our LinkedIn group at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottonwood-institute/
- Join our Facebook CI Alumni group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/49045662698/
Leave a Reply