Earlier this month IMBA Canada’s Trail Care Crew and communications coordinator, Rachael Raven, had the opportunity to take part in a women’s only skills clinic at Joyride150, Canada’s premier indoor bike park. Over 130 ladies came out for Women’s Weekend, which took place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4-5. Here are Rachael’s thoughts on the event:
“I’m not usually one to take part in ladies-only rides, though I will admit that every once and a while it’s nice to ride with the girls, learn some new skills, and gush about pretty bikes.
But riding with over 130 women (in a bike park that’s normally dominated by male riders) was an awesome experience! Chicks of all cycling disciplines, on all sorts of bikes, took over the pump track, the foam pit, jump lines, and the street park! There was a great camaraderie among riders new and experienced – encouraging each other to try new things and progress their skills.
The event, publicized largely by facebook, attracted women from all over Ontario and Quebec, and even from the U.S. North East. And especially in such a small community, it was great to make new friends, learn from rad female coaches, and meet riders from my own backyard in Ottawa.
A GREAT BIG thank you to staff and coaches at Joyride150 for organizing the event and spicing up a dreary winter!