Meet an OGExpert, Pride Edition: Brit Keyser

What’s an OGExpert? They’re the folks that huff and puff alongside you in the skin track, give you a yell from the lift, move that pad for you at the climbing gym, share their granola at the summit, or help you change a flat tire at the bike trail head. They’re us. We’ve done it all, and used pretty much every kind of gear along the way. We live, breathe, and recreate with the community.

NAME:

Brit Keyser

PRONOUNS:

She/They

AGE:

25

HOMETOWN:

Baltimore, MD

WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE TO VERMONT?

I came up with a friend in the winter of 2017 to visit, got stuck in a snowstorm, and decided this is where I wanted to live. So in 2018, I started going to the University of Vermont to pursue my degree in Zoology and never left!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE?

Coming up on almost 2 years now!

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT OGE?

Bike and Snowboard floor staff mostly, but I work all over the store!

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR AREA OF OUTDOOR EXPERTISE?

Bikes, boards, bird calls, and Battle Star Galactica.

IF YOU ARE PART OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, ARE THERE PLACES OR ORGANIZATIONS WHERE YOU HAVE FELT SUPPORTED AS A QUEER PERSON AND HAVE EXPERIENCES WHERE YOU WERE ABLE TO BE YOUR TRUE AND FULLEST SELF?

When I was a sophomore at UVM, I found a group called UVM Bikes! which is a student-run bicycle co-operative at the University of Vermont. An organization of which I am now the Vice President! Our mission is simple: make riding bikes an equitable and accessible activity for the entire UVM community. We work to achieve this goal by offering free access to our shop space and tools, free repair services, low-cost parts, and low-cost rental bikes. UVM Bikes! has allowed me to be fully myself, find a home at UVM, and further my bike mechanic skills and vintage bike idolization. I’m also an active rider in the Queen City Bicycle Club, which is an awesome resource for people who are trans, femme and queer AND stoked on bikes.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER FOLKS FROM THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY FOR FINDING COMMUNITY AND A SENSE OF PLACE OR BELONGING IN THE OUTDOORS?

Moving here with next to no friends, most of the community and support I’ve had in my own queer experience in VT has happened alongside my friends and coworkers at OGE. But, start with some queer-focused events, queer climbing nights at Petra, hikes with the Pride Center, biking events with Pride Rides VT, or just finding pals who are stoked as you to get out there! Working and recreating amongst fellow Queer folks has been such a support system to me over the years, once those doors open, the queer community can give you so many opportunities to flourish into your big gay self!

TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING GOALS OR TRIPS YOU HAVE.

Historically, I have been a gravel biker, but this summer I plan to become the raddest, rippiest mountain biker out there!

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE OR TRIP RECOMMENDATION YOU OFTEN GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE OUTDOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME?

You don’t need to do the hardest climbs, the longest rides, or even have the best gear to get out there. Start small and just go out and enjoy yourself!

BIGGEST OUTDOOR PET PEEVE?

Littering is wack, pack out what you pack in!

FAVORITE PIECE OF OUTDOOR CLOTHING OR EQUIPMENT YOU BRING ON EVERY TRIP?

My Super Sub by ENO. I stand by the fact that hammocking is the superior form of ultralight backpacking (not to mention the cheapest)!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAIL SNACK AND LOCAL BEVERAGE?

Ooooh, that’s hard! Instant mash potatoes and pepperoni is my normal go-to, and local bevvy has to be Halyard’s Ginger Beer.

HOW DOES THE OUTDOORS EMPOWER YOU TO BE YOURSELF?

The outdoors have never asked me to be anything but myself, I feel the most me among the trees, listening to the peepers (woodland species that lives in areas with heavy plant growth near ponds, streams, or swamps) and birds singing to me.

INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE FOR DIGGING A CAT HOLE?

My Deuce trowel is my digger of choice, but a sharp rock will do just fine, you know what they say a well-dug cathole can make or break a trip.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY LOCAL OUTDOOR COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF THE SHOP? IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN.

UVM Bikes at the University of Vermont and Queen City Bicycle Club! Plus I have some pretty cool queers friends who like to kick it in the woods with me.

HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE OUTDOORS?

My parents were big roadies back in the day and dragged me along for the ride, but the other parts kind of just came from how much I liked to play in the dirt, pick up bugs, and species-spot as a kid. As I got older the hobbies just kept coming, I got into climbing and bike mechanics and backpacking and really found my thing!

FAVORITE AFTER-WORK SHRED SPOT/OUTDOOR ADVENTURE?

My favorite spot is a secret, but I can tell you it’s in Waitsfield ;)

FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE OGE?

The people for sure, this community has welcomed me with open arms and hearts, not to mention the knowledge and expertise they have shared with me! Oh, and Cricket the dog in the service department.

HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR PRIDE OUTSIDE?

By being me, wearing my best Hawaiian shirt, and loving what I do and where I am!