Friday, October 11, 2019

5 Reasons Why More Women Should Mountain Bike


I recently attended a women’s Diamondback mountain bike press clinic in Breckenridge and realized that more women really do need to learn to ride. While there are way more females of all ages out on the trails now than there were 20 years ago when I initially fell head over heels with the sport (and consequently went heels over head a few times during the intensive learning process), mountain biking is unquestionably still a male-dominated sport.
However, with vastly improved bike technology, clothing and protective accessories, not to mention a dire need for a testosterone balance on the trails, there is no better time for women to experience the incomparable thrill that comes with saddling up on a set of fat tires.
Here’s why …
1. Mountain biking is not as scary as you think. For starters, it’s much safer than road biking. You’re moving at considerably slower speeds, there are no cars around you and there is at least some hope for a soft(er) landing if you crash.
2. New bike technology makes it much easier to learn and excel. Unlike 20 years ago when fat tires weren’t that fat, frames were heavy and loaded up with unnecessary chain rings and full suspension amounted to just a few millimeters of spring back, trail bikes these days feel like easy-to-maneuver armchairs. Take for example, the high-end ride we demoed at the clinic: Diamondback’s Release 5C carbon. With super burly tires, wide handlebars, an efficient 1x12-speed drive train, a surprisingly light frame (considering its burliness), precise and responsive brakes, well over 5 inches of adjustable travel and most importantly, a drop seat, even the most intimidating aspects of mountain biking (sharp switchbacks, steeps descents, rock drops, etc.) can be conquered seamlessly. 
Photo courtesy of Backbone Media.
3. Women’s clothing and accessories are more comfortable and functional than they used to be. Guess what? There is no need for tight Lycra out here (but if you prefer it, have at it. Mountain bikers are not a judgmental crowd … just don’t ride in jean shorts). While there is often a concern that baggy shorts might get caught on the saddle or somehow in the way, go-to cycling brands like Pearl Izumi offer extensive lines of cute but functional and comfortable “baggy” shorts made of stretch material, plus endless offerings of tops and jackets with gear-holding back pockets (order a size larger than you normally would as Pearl Izumi runs small) that allow for backpack-free riding. Long-standing Norwegian brand Norrøna specializes in longer, lightweight shorts with adjustable waist straps and cuts designed for optimal saddle compatibility and also sells an 18-liter pack that is so lightweight and comfortable even those of us who hate riding with backpacks can almost forget it’s there. Also, to literally pad the learning curve, POC makes stretchy neoprene knee and elbow protectors (VPD) that are comfortable and flexible but still stay in place even when you’re hammering.
4. The trails need you. We all need you. As mentioned above, mountain bikers are generally cool folks. But there are sometimes, occasionally, those token D-Bags that blow down the trail totally disregarding the prescribed etiquette (yield to uphill traffic, stay in control, say hello, etc.) or feel the need to increase their speed all of a sudden to ride on your ass or not let you by when you’re faster. And, let’s be honest … they’re almost always dudes. More women on the trails mean a more comfortable space for all of us. Get out there. Please.
5. It’s not only the most thrilling and rewarding outdoor pastime on the planet, but also truly meditative. Its techniques serve as all-encompassing adages for leading your best life. Techniques like …
Pace yourself.
Don’t fixate on the obstacles.
Keep your eyes up and focused on the path ahead.
Take one obstacle at a time.
Once you commit, you can hammer over almost anything.
Stay centered.
Don’t slam on the brakes.
Enjoy the view at the top.
The allegories go on and on …