Darragh and Carlisle first met at a trailhead years ago through mutual friends. With different life situations, they didn’t think much of it, but the shared interest of mountain biking resulted in social media follows. An occasional like of the others post or ride during daily scrolling didn’t foreshadow their future together. As time progressed, both became independently more intrigued by the other as they saw shared interests extended beyond biking and their social circles were surprisingly connected.

With Darragh living in Bend and Carlisle in Portland, neither made a move. In April 2020, with the future uncertain due to the pandemic, Darragh took her shot at this cute boy in Portland. Having grown quite interested in this cute girl from Bend, Carlisle took the bait enthusiastically. A couple phone calls and virtual dates later, Carlisle stashed bikes in his old van and high tailed it to Bend to visit Darragh. The romance that followed happened quickly. Both were impressed in meeting a partner that could challenge them in both their recreational pursuits and life goals.

Fast forward two years and Darragh was making the uncommon move and leaving Bend for Portland. As their relationship strengthened, both know they found their person. In January 2023, Carlisle proposed to Darragh surrounded by friends and family at the top of a mountain near the Fairy Meadows ski hut in British Columbia. Darragh said yes and as the snow was quite good, they both proceeded to rip down the mountain as a happily engaged couple.