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.
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| 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 …
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