My name is Liz Belt, and I’m the owner/operator of Intrepid Cycling Company, where I train over 100 riders in progressive cycling programs that track individual data and growth with every ride. Think of me as the cycling fairy godmother, but instead of waving a wand, I’m wielding a whistle! I also moonlight as a personal trainer at the Mi Moves fitness facility and juggle the role of Vice President of the Charlie Golf One Veteran Non-Profit here in Traverse City, MI. Most importantly, I’m the proud mom of two incredible kids and the wife of a wonderful husband—who, let’s be honest, deserves a medal for putting up with me. Life is good- and way too short to take things too seriously!

At both the gym and Intrepid, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter workouts. Every individual is met exactly where they are, not where they think they should be (because let’s face it, most of us don’t know where that is). The goal is to help each person conquer the intimidation of group fitness and redefine what their “hard” looks like. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, everyone competes against themselves—not against that one ridiculously fit person in the corner (who I equally appreciate). Why compete when you can focus on your own goals? In our classes, riders may find themselves sharing space with 14 other people, but each one is doing their own structured workout at their unique power levels, measured and tracked by yours truly in a private journal. It’s like a fitness party where everyone is in sync, but slightly off-beat—just how I like it!

Working with individuals of every fitness level has been a rewarding adventure, and I can’t help but celebrate every win—big or small—of those who choose to commit to the program. Seriously, if someone burns an extra calorie, we’re throwing a confetti party!

Now, being a business owner and community leader is no walk in the park. It takes a ton of time and effort—like trying to fit 10 pounds of enthusiasm into a 5-pound bag! But through a lot of trial and error, I’ve become passionate about leadership and management, and I feel super lucky to have all these opportunities to get it right… or at least amusingly wrong!

Here’s a little background on me: I grew up in Marquette, Michigan, in a gigantic family that taught us to work hard and be tough—like, “if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” tough. I played multiple sports, which led to a softball scholarship at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) starting in 2000 after high school graduation. At the same time, I had the brilliant idea to join the United States Army Reserve at age 17. Thankfully, my college coach was understanding enough to let me disappear for six months to train, returning just in time to hit the books.

After two seasons as a college athlete, I was ready to apply for the University teaching program when our unit was deployed in January 2003 for the invasion of Iraq. I spent a total of 16 months away—14 on a combat tour—returning home a bit more seasoned and slightly older… and deciding that my softball career may need to retire gracefully. So, I transferred to Northern Michigan University, shifted my degree focus to Health and Fitness, and got back to hitting the books.

During this same time, I started a family and remained an active reservist. After graduation, I dove headfirst into cardiac rehabilitation and welcomed my daughter in April 2008. Just four months later, plot twist—I’m informed our unit is gearing up for a second tour to Iraq in early 2009. With a new baby and lots more leadership responsibilities, I really had to channel my inner Zen master. You know what they say: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”—and, hey, it definitely built character!

Our unit returned home in the spring of 2010 after a year away, and I jumped right back into life and my career. This was the turning point that catapulted me into fitness facility management and personal training—because who needs downtime? I also continued climbing the leadership ladder in the U.S. Army Reserve and got involved in local politics in an a-political manner, volunteering on committees to help the City Commission make decisions (yes, I am that friend who will ask you to vote). This chapter of my life was packed with growth, challenges, and lots of laughter, all of which ultimately led me to move to Traverse City, MI, in 2013. Once I moved to this area, I began riding bikes, which eventually led to the Intrepid journey along with my affinity for extreme off-road endurance/bike packing. You can catch me outdoors as often as possible- but add in a really dumb idea as a challenge, and I am all in. And let me tell you, I’ve loved every minute of it!

I am a passionate human who is always looking for more ways to grow and build up the community! I truly think that we can all do better, and I want to be a part of making sure that happens while I am on this planet. I look forward to networking with as many awesome people as possible!

A bunch of stuff about me that you may not want to know…