There have been some serious waves being made in the motorcycle community over the last two decades, and some of the big ones have been made by the female community.

Known for breaking down some stiff barriers on two wheels, female riders Ashley Fiolek and Vicki Golden helped create a big mark in the world of women’s motocross and were two of the leading ladies in the popular WMX series before it was folded in 2013.

Since then, both Ashley and Vicki have been keeping busy and pursuing their dreams off the track. Both are still powerful figures in the moto community but have moved to different sides of the sport: Vicki has become active (and quite good) at freestyle motocross (FMX) while Ashley continues to teach the next generation through her MX schools.

Recently, both Ashely and Vicki have joined the No-Toil family of athletes. We caught up with them both to see what they’ve been up to and what advice they have for the female riders who are competing in some of the sport’s biggest events.

No-Toil: What have you been up to lately? Catch us up!

Ashley Fiolek: I’ve been super busy with a lot of different things. I did 2 MX schools so far and I have a 3-day ladies camp at Cycle Ranch in Texas coming up soon. Also, I did a race for Ride Cake in San Diego, which was fun. I have a secret event that I have to do in the middle of August! Then, in September, I’m going to Luxembourg as a guest since they are having their first supercross ever. How cool! 

Vicki Golden: It’s been different for me this summer! Seth [Brisson] is originally from Connecticut so we decided to beat the SoCal desert heat and head East. I’ve been riding the same SoCal tracks since I was 7 years old so I’ve been having a blast getting to ride different tracks and FMX compounds. I’ve actually stayed really busy this summer with all the events I’ve been attending. 

NT: You’ve broken down a lot of barriers in the moto world and inspired a lot of girls over the years, including your time racing in the WMX series. What does that mean to you? Does it, or has it, had an impact on your life/career?

AF: Oh thank you! I think I did everything that I could when I raced. I tried my best to succeed as much as I could and to help women to get more recognition and exposure, but unfortunately, that didn’t go quite the way I wanted it to go. At least I’m riding for fun and teaching riders how to have fun at my MX school. 

VG: It’s been a wild career that’s for sure. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot of goals that people thought I was crazy for even thinking about. It’s definitely had a huge impact on my life and career. This might be a job, but it’s my hobby so my passion drives me to keep pushing my limits. Not many people in this world get to live how I do, and I feel very blessed for the life I’ve worked to have and keep.

NT: What advice do you have for the women out there currently preparing to race? 

AF: My advice is to work hard and it’ll pay off in the end. Get a great start, be consistent and have fun! Ride the way you know how and you’ll do great!

VG: Number 1 is to have fun. There’s no point in being in this sport if you’re not having fun. Second, if you’re not good at something right now doesn’t mean you will be forever. Keep working and you’ll get it!