where do you live?: Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula

how would you classify your riding (commuting, leisure, competitive): all three

how long have you been riding a bike in the way that you do now? 3
did you pick it up again after years of not riding?: yes, but I never rode like this before

what type of bike(s) do you have?: 2 mountain bikes - both Trek Fuel EXs, one is a 2005 EX7, the other is a 2008 EX8; I also have a Kona Jake the Snake Cyclocross bike

do you notice more females on bikes in recent years than before?: I think I'm one of those "more females on bikes in recent years"

do you notice more focus on females who bike in the media recently?: Yes. Trek has a whole campaign/line geared towards WSD (women's specific design)

do you think there are female specific concerns in cycling? absolutely
what would they be? (buying appropriate bike/equipment, stigma, safety):
many women need a WSD bike (different geometry), different saddles, and clothes. Clothes fit women so differently than men, so it's important to find clothes that fit a curvier body without riding up.

I race. I love it. I wasn't going to race because mountain biking was my way of simply enjoying life without pressure. However, I am very competitive person who also easily stresses. I like to ride very aggressively, and it makes me very happy and relaxes me. Cycling has made a huge, positive difference in my life.