It's a Wonder(woman)ful Life! - Merry Christmas Tammy Donahugh

Dec 23, 2010 at 21:09

First of all, if you are a fan of dirtjump / slope / freeride, and don't know of Tammy ("Wonder Woman") Donahugh, then perhaps you should check yourself. You might very well be spending far too much time looking at boys in tight jeans.

Merry Christmas Tammy! We love ya!

Tammy D got an early start in the world of MTB competition, at the age of 16, tagging along with her boyfriend and his mates to trail-rides and races. It took no time for Tammy to pick up a Mongoose hardtail and start her progression, soon outpacing the boys. After racing a mix of XC and DH, Tammy quickly realized that gravity was where it's at, and focused her energy on DH and Slalom. This was the start of a self proclaimed, lifelong addiction.

At the age of 21, Tammy and a talented group of young shredders formed a tightly knit family of riders, balancing gravity, urban, and dirt disciplines. They performed demos at events, helped to build trails for festivals like the Sea Otter Classic, and eventually formed the F.O.C.U.S Tour, sponsored by Adidas Eyewear and toured North America from Santa Cruz to Whistler. Tammy was the only girl in the group, and obviously earned a lot of attention.


Tammy got her start working in the industry the same year, with Observed Trials Magazine, which later turned into 180 Magazine. Her experience their not only boosted her to higher places professionally, but helped her to gain early sponsorships from Risse Racing, SDG, Santa Cruz Bikes, Sun Ringle, AXO, MRP, and Giro. She raced pro level the next year with the likes of Missy Giove, Marla Streb, and Tara Llanes, with minimal financial support. Tammy tells us she took one truly amazing victory from that year...she met her husband Jimmy Donahugh.

That was the start of something beautiful. Tammy left Santa Cruz, moved in with Jimmy D upstairs from the Romic Manufacturing facility, and helped to keep production moving. Soon after, Tammy and Jimmy moved to Orange County, and Tammy was snapped up by Crank Brothers as a member of a very small team working out of the owner's garage! Obviously that team was pretty effective, considering their tremendous present day success. It just goes to show how far hard work, a passion for the sport, and commitment to quality design can go.

Tammy Donahugh's Summer 2010 from Tammy Donahugh on Vimeo.

Tammy D - Summer 2010 Edit

A few years later Tammy and Jimmy packed everything they owned, (mostly bikes), into an old Penske truck, and left Orange County for a new home in Colorado. Tammy earned a place with IMBA right away, and quickly moved up to the Operations Manager position where she has been for 5 years. Recently, Tammy and Jimmy informed us they were preparing to make another move.

In recent years Tammy hasn't slowed down for a moment. She has an unbelievable level of commitment to making sure other riders have every advantage to enjoy life and life on bikes as much as she has. Tammy helped to create & finalize the first and only mountain bike certification program recognized internationally, and is amongst the first certified IMIC coaches worldwide. She spends much of her year traveling across the USA to train young riders, in particular young women, on what it takes to bring their riding to the next level. This year alone she coached and competed at Women's Weekend (Ray's Indoor Cleveland), See Jane Jump Festival (Mt. Washington, B.C.), Ranch Style (Grand Junction, CO), Demon Dirt Jam (Alpine, UT), Crankworx CO (Winterpark, CO), Dirt Series (Boulder, CO & Park City UT), BMA Ladies Skills Clinic (Lyons, CO), and was even invited to coach with Camp of Champions in Whistler BC, (although a nasty broken leg kept her from spending time with Ken A and this amazing organization). At Ranchjam in particular, Tammy taught a ladies clinic all day Friday, Saturday won the Women's Dual Slalom, and Sunday competed in the men's Slopestyle!

Obviously Tammy didn't earn the name Wonder Woman just because she's beautiful and can kick your ass.


In 2010 Tammy also Featured rider in Awesomeland – "Women of Dirt", Premiered world wide in 35+ locations (www.womenofdirt.com).


It's worth noting that Tammy and Jimmy have risen to legendary levels in the Colorado grassroots rider's world as well. At their Colorado home, they filled the backyard with dirt, and sculpted out an absolutely sick dirt park, where for years they have hosted the "Jammy Jam" each summer. I asked Tammy to give me a quick quote about this year's jam. Here is what she had to say:

"It's hard to put into words how exciting it was to see so many riders come together in our back yard and everyone was stoked! The weather was beautiful, the air was still, the music was blasting, pro MTBer's and pro BMXer's all shredding together, plenty of food & beer to last through the day, and no injuries! We had riders come out from Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming and California! I just can't believe how well our yard held up to the hundreds, maybe thousands of runs that happened. There was a CONSTANT train of riders on the jump line for about 5-6 hours and the blue grooves turned into a cement like smooth surface like I've never seen before on dirt! It's hard to say what the best part was, but I couldn't believe it when the cops drove by and told me that we look like we're having way more fun than he was and that we can go as late as we want with our party! He didn't even ask me if we had alcohol or minors or permits, etc. He just wanted to let me know that there was no limit on how late our party went and that he had our back if anyone complained! Too funny. This will be the final jam at our house here due to recent events - Jimmy accepted a position with SRAM and so we have to move."

It's the end of an era...single tear.

Currently Tammy rides for Spank Industries, Superco Bikes, IXS protection, SRAM, and many more amazing sponsors!

To one of our favorite Factory Test Riders, Sponsored Pro, Superhero, and a good friend, Tammy D...from all of us at Spank Industries, Merry Christmas and our best wishes for an amazing 2011!

Spank Industries Rider Profile - Tammy D



Mike Dutton
Spank Industries Brand Manager