Racing

[mtbmamma]

Hey Girls, I've had one of the mountain biking clubs contact me regarding racing. They have been watching the new girls site and would love to know what you all think.

They would like to know two things:

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?

Thanks we would all be interested in your views. :)

[roxy12]

welll
1.- I beleive alot of girls are intimidated by sports that are male dominated.
- They arnt advertised as being "girl" sports to
- There isnt enoough EASILY accessable information. (i experienced this problem)
-it seemed that in high school it became uncool to do sports:confused: im glad im nota sheep haha
-xc-takes alot of fitness, mtnx+dh take guts, some people dont have or want either.

2.Well I guess just a race were the girls side has been promoted?
maybe more of a beginners race then anything else, as i know alot of begginers are intimidated by the word "race" it just screams nerve racking.

Womens ride days are a great idea, get them away from the intimidating men, introduce them to the world of rideinh, then tuffen them up and chuk emin a race:p

But this is just what ive noticed down here south!

[Mandy]

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

I dont think mountain biking particular womens mountain biking is recognised as a sport. Many people do not even realise mountain biking is an olympic sport. We really need to promote the sport to get more girls interested in it and increased race numbers will follow. I plan on being ready to race by winter next year. I think every girl i have spoken to races or is going to race soon so its not a matter of us not choosing to race just theres not enough girls out there riding!



2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?

As above really, i reckon just about any girl who rides would be willing to ride. Perhaps if some clubs hold girls day on the tracks kind of days that would promote it more too. Even if we brought along friends who arnt into riding and they came out too, never know they might fall in love!.

[TerraNik]

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

I think part of it may be that we're intimidated by the talented guys out there riding!! For me I know that's true - I think I wouldn't face up to the challenge of a race and am a little intimidated. I don't think i'm any good at all!! But I know that all I have to do is give it a go, so I'm slowly building up the courage!! Though I suppose there is a good thing about only have a few girls racing... At least you get a place even if you're last!! *joke*


2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?

I think maybe some learn-to-race days... For even both guys and girls I think would be beneficial. It'd be good to have something that covers topics like knowing what to expect and practicing some skills that would benefit you in a race (e.g starts, pacing, etc). If they held a day where you could practice on the track, have a few 'mock' races that were really casual and gave you an idea of what would happen, I would feel much more comfortable giving racing a go - so I can only assume that other girls feel the same way.

[Gabe_88]

i agree with all of the above but nik's learn-to-race idea i think is awesome... it would also give girls and all guys just learning the guts to try new things and have confidence... i no for me cofindence plays a massive part... watching the guys race at friday nights all i think is i would never be able to beat them, but i have heard if i do start to race the guys would occasionly let me win.. lol...

great ideas!!!

[osmund]

I personally find discussions around women and sport uptake (and the lack of) quite interesting. In a very over-simplified way, some research has suggest that there is a lack of female role models in sport, this is prepetuated by the media not giving women's sport coverage which leads to young women in general becoming dis-interested in sports (except for those who love it). I know this is very generalised, sorry.

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

On a personal level, I don't feel the need to be competitive. I just like riding my bike for fun. I am going in my first XC race this weekend and have never felt the need before.

btw, what is mtnx? how does it differ from xc?

2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?

For me, getting into a new sport, I like a comfortable environment where I know there won't be too much testosterone. So usually I try to find a women's only training group or something similar.

I wish there were more women's only skills camps or sessions. I wasn't able to find any in my area so I am heading to Canberra for one held by CORC.

[TerraNik]

btw, what is mtnx? how does it differ from xc?


MtnX is VERY different to XC. MtnX (also named 4x) is similar to dirt jumping/bmx but on mountain bikes... It's usually a fairly short track (500m-ish??) where 4 riders start together and you just go as fast as you can!!

Here is the link to the UCI world championship photos - have a look at the 4x ones and you will get more of an idea.

http://www.2006rotoruamtb.com/english/gallery.php

[osmund]

MtnX is VERY different to XC. MtnX (also named 4x) is similar to dirt jumping/bmx but on mountain bikes... It's usually a fairly short track (500m-ish??) where 4 riders start together and you just go as fast as you can!!

thanks so much for the info and link. everything is much clearer now... :)

[Fi]

Western Sydney MTB Club have in the past had 'intro to DH' days at their club track at Pacific Park. While these are open to male and female riders, at the last one they did have a female rider on hand to help the new girls out.

There are a number of skills clinics around in Sydney/Canberra. CORC (Canberra Off Road Cyclists Club) do a women only skills weekend, often booked out well in advance though. Western Sydney have the occasional girls skills days, as does MTB-Oz-Chix (mtb email list - see www.mtb-oz.com - and girls-only social rides are often advertised on this list too. Otherwise, if you don't mind learning with the boys, Cyclinic is a great option - see www.cyclinic.com.au - I attended one a couple of months ago and it was close to 50% female anyway. I think they hold these interstate as well as Sydney.

I guess this doesn't answer the question about racing. Racing is also a great way to gain skills, through pushing yourself and riding new tracks. But it's sometimes good to get some riding experience first, particularly in DH where you'll find many experienced riders on the track at the same time as you - easily off-putting. And I reckon that fitness makes a huge difference to your riding enjoyment, both in DH and XC.

[Mandy]

What i think would be a good idea is if someone in the know with all the skills weekends and girls days could post up about it in here we could start an events thread. Once i have all my gear id go in them all for sure!!!!

[THE OTHER EVIL]

i agree with all of the above but nik's learn-to-race idea i think is awesome... it would also give girls and all guys just learning the guts to try new things and have confidence... i no for me cofindence plays a massive part... watching the guys race at friday nights all i think is i would never be able to beat them, but i have heard if i do start to race the guys would occasionly let me win.. lol...

great ideas!!!

Another great way to get to know a little more about 4X or BMX is to go along to the weekly practise nights. I go to Castle Hill BMX track most Wednesday nights, basically I am the only girl there but it is a very non threatening environment with people riding the course in a less frenzied way than on a race day. You can watch a little, ride a little, tackle particular sections of the course, practise gate starts (if you want) as well as chat to a whole bunch of very friendly guys.
From 6pm Wednesday nights..

[TerraNik]

Yeah I've thought about having a go at the MtnX at Olympic Park coz it's just near my house, but every time I go there I just get intimidated... and freaked that I'd stack it. But I'm slowly building up the courage... But I need to really stress the word "SLOWLY". :(

[Fi]

Hey we should all meet there one weekend arvo! I know a couple of other chix who'd be keen. Kim can show us a thing or two - we rode there the other weekend and you can definitely see the bmx skills!

[THE OTHER EVIL]

Hey we should all meet there one weekend arvo! I know a couple of other chix who'd be keen. Kim can show us a thing or two - we rode there the other weekend and you can definitely see the bmx skills!

Sounds great! Would love to hook up but have spoken to a couple of guys this afternoon at BMX track and they tell me that the 4X track is basically unrideable at the moment due to recent rain but is going to be resurfaced in time for the National Round on Oct 21. Something to look forward to...
Hey Fi, sounds like you are itching to give that new DMR a run.:)

[mtbmamma]

Yeah I've thought about having a go at the MtnX at Olympic Park coz it's just near my house, but every time I go there I just get intimidated... and freaked that I'd stack it. But I'm slowly building up the courage... But I need to really stress the word "SLOWLY". :(

I rode there, SOP, a couple of Sundays ago. There were a number of young guys there including my son and a friend. I didn't feel intimidated as they were not doing the whole track, some were practicing starts, some the jumps and some other things. I have never riden MTNX and loved it and am going to give it a go at the next club meeting that I am here.

We are out there a lot as it is not far from my home and the boys just love it. Drop me a line, but not between the 23rd and the 9th of Oct as we are in Whistler, and I would love to meet any of you out there. Fi could probably teach us how to approach the jumps etc.:)

[roxy12]

Sounds like you guys have so much going on, im jealous!

[TerraNik]

Well I'm DEFINATELY up for mtnx practice if you girls are going!! It's only 10-20 minute ride from my house, so I can be there with very short notice!!!! haha... But I am really keen to have a go at MtnX...

But on a side note - i'll be at the WSMTB club's MtnX club round on 24th September doing the first aid - so come and say g'day if you're going to be there!! I'm also planning on going to watch the nationals on 21st October too... We should all catch up there if anyone else is planning on going.

[Emma1111]

i got a kona scrap with the intention of raceing MtnX although there is probably only 3 girls o race against...not realy 4X

[Emma1111]

TerraNik
Junior Member



But on a side note - i'll be at the WSMTB club's MtnX club round on 24th September doing the first aid


i will be there hopeing to race for the 1st time..nead some practice 1st though

[TerraNik]

TerraNik
Junior Member



But on a side note - i'll be at the WSMTB club's MtnX club round on 24th September doing the first aid


i will be there hopeing to race for the 1st time..nead some practice 1st though

Well I'll make sure to cheer you on!!!!!!!! :)

[Bethany]

i feel kinda out of the loop here....

i ride trails and stuf in the bush but have never riden a track liek you guys are talkin bout... so count me in too. i live in the blue mts but its only like halfa from olympic park. ill hit it

[*Turtle*]

I rode at Canberra on the weekend at the Twilight race at Mt Kowen and out of 247 riders there were 47 females which was awesome. It was a good fun course and wasn't techinical. I think this is what attracts the women riders in Canberra as it is more fun and less threatening. The club is well run and with the regular clinics more women are participating. As well the 24hour popularity is huge and again this is seen as a fun event.

Compare this to XC courses in Sydney which are more technical and you are lucky to get 5% females. You really need to "act" confident as some of the guys can be quite intimidating when they are riding very close behind you on a technical section and you are a beginner.

I too would like to try 4X one day to improve my skills but I would never go when the guys are there on a race day as I would be too slow and get laughed at. I would be keen to meet up sometime though.

[*_DIRTChick_*]

Whoah, girls, don't let yourselves get to intimidated by the dudes!! Guys racing and gals racing isn't expected to be of the same standard, no matter what the sport, if it was, competing would be mixed gender.

I'm the only girl in my home town who rides DH (a few fit female xc riders) so I've never ridden with girls before, only ever with dudes, but I love riding with them. They are heaps more confident than myself and possess more skills, but i don't let that intimidate me. Instead I try to watch and learn what I can.

I can't wait till i'm ready to race, but it's not the competitve aspect i'm looking forward to, it's the adrenallin rush from simply 'being in a DH race'.
I was a lil iffy about the prospect of racing to, thinking i'd look slow and unskilled, but when I witnessed the girls smashing down the hill at worlds this year, I got totally pumped to race, no matter what my current level may be.

Don't worry to much about being left behind on the track when riding with the guys, they can wait hehe! :)

I agree with what everyone has said regarding this topic, MTB riding is extremely male dominated and testosterone driven. More outlets/opportunities for female riders to be able to get together in a 'female' environment to ride would be awesome:p

[Zooke]

Does anyone know about any womens clinics in Brisbane or the surrounding areas?

[mtbdh_girl]

I've always felt that one of the parts I liked least about competitve DH was practice. I had no trouble with racing, I am far too competitve by nature so tend to give anything a go when challenged, but in practice you get soooo many people on the track at once, and trying to pass you constantly. Ifound this the most intimidating. I think this was in part because I didn't really know anyone well, ie I had no 'mates' to talk to/hang out with or ride practice with. The only time I ever got to ride dh was at races. I would love to race again, but these are the things I remember which put me off. I am a fairly quiet (read shy) person so I find it very hard to get talking to people. I liked 4X but the problem I had was that most of the 4X races I rode were kinda a bit bitchy. I guess a combination of lack of prctice and lack of confidence lead to fear of failure. I think I probably just have personal issues with being slow!!!

[peep]

Hi all,
I'm from Brissy and have attended a few DH events and competed in one (whoo!). I'm definately keen to have a proper go at racing next season, and would love to see other girls have a go as well - I don't think there were many girls racing this year at all in QLD...

I think that having confidence is a big factor in starting racing - that means a bike you feel good on, and spending a lot of time on that bike riding different tracks and getting a few skills before turning up to a race day.

More women-specific rides and skills sessions would be great, but I think riding with 'the boys' is really important cos they can teach you heaps. Besides, any race day will be male dominated, so the more you ride with boys the more tolerant to testosterone you will be!

Zooke - Roadie Rob (on farkin) has been doing some basic and Intermediate womens only clinics - I've been to one and got heaps of help from it. I recommend heading along to one - just check his website. If there are a few girls around keen on more specific coaching we could hook up and do a group session...

[wgtngrl]

Hi girls

I'm based in Wellington, NZ, and we've recently been asking the same questions over here. We have a fantastic club with many volunteers and some of the countries top riders as members who are friendly and approachable. I thought I might share some of what we've found on here as it may be of interest to anyone who is trying to improve racing numbers. (This is XC based because that's our club's focus - there is a seperate club for DH and currently only 1 woman competing, though I may do this years series if I have time...)

A couple of us did a very rough and informal survey on a couple of websites and got about 20 women responding. We looked at reasons for not racing, reasons for racing, factors that would encourage women to race.

There were 4 main reasons given why they weren't racing - not being fit enough, prefering more social events, the race environment and other riders (seems really common here too) and simply not having the inclination.

The fitness factor is something the club can probably help with by arranging womens rides and getting them out more often - offers of this have been well received and it looks like it's the same here.

Social events - there is an annual womens only triathlon run in the main centres in NZ every summer for the last 4 or 5 years. This attracted 4000!! women in Wellington and 7000!!! women in Auckland in 2006! These numbers are phenomenal so I'm going to try and tap in to what they've done to get women so involved and interested. Though I think there may be a saftey-in-numbers factor.

Race environment and other riders - I think this is a misconception held by people who haven't even been to races. Our aim is to get them along and challenge the misconception - I didn't know anyone when I started racing and now I probably know a good half of the 300 odd riders we get to our spring series races (5).

Not wanting to race... if we can up the numbers I think we could even convince these girls to give it a go.

On the up-side we wanted to know what women enjoyed about racing if they were doing it and found that it increased their motivation to ride (not to mention how much it can improve ability!), the chance of winning a spot prize (club races now offer spot prizes to all women who enter), beating the guys (YFY), socialising and getting to do different rides.

So we'll try and tap in to all of those factors to get more girls along. We have a small population but I know there are lots of women who enjoy riding.

The focus is on Wellington for now, but with luck in the coming years we may be able to get numbers up for nationals as well...

Any feedback/suggestions etc greatly appreciated :)

[Zooke]

A few previous posts have been asking why women don't like racing or getting into riding, how they tend to feel intimidated by the guys riding with them and how much better they can sometimes be. I would also like to add that sometimes girls feel a little out of place when riding if they first started going with their BF.

This idea comes after doing a ride yesterday, although it was a road ride for charity, one thing that my mate and I noticed was the number of girls on fairly decent road bikes follwing guys on full spec road bikes in team gear of some sort and the look on the girls face just screams that they were lured into coming along cos they were told it wouldn't be all that difficult. Although you think that the fact that it was a 100k ride would let them know it would be kinda hard. anyway, what I'm trying to say in a round about way is guys (yes I'm sure you all read it) and ladies who ride with guys that have girl friends, suggest if they want to get inot the sport that they first ride in a behinners group, not with their bf. Just until they get comfortable, otherwise you do get put off.

[Mandy]

Id disagree with that so it must be a personal thing. I personally ride much better with my bf there, trying everything he does.Especially when hes following me down the hills!!! And when im unsure of something and he says i can do it i really know i can i dont think id be up to where i am in riding if it wasnt for riding with him. I guess it all comes down to individual guys and girls!!!!

[mtbmamma]

I find riding or doing any sort of sport with guys is good. They really push you to do better. They also don't coddle you but let you know, if they're good friends, whether you can do something or not due to your abilities. If you can't they are ususally the first to help and direct. :D

[roxy12]

mmm sounds like we just have a quite a few jerks in victoria.

Dont get me wrong there are alot of GREAT HELPFULL guys here but we have our share of wankers to.

The guys who simply have to make smart arsee comments, put me down, and try to belittle me as a rider. Not to mention the idiots who take off the second after i have gone from the top of a track then bitch because im slower then them, seriously if they dont know im not going to be as fast as a male elite rider there just plain stupid. I always thought it was common sence to leave space between riders anyway?

ahhhh sorry just venting:p

[Zooke]

Id disagree with that so it must be a personal thing. I personally ride much better with my bf there, trying everything he does.Especially when hes following me down the hills!!! And when im unsure of something and he says i can do it i really know i can i dont think id be up to where i am in riding if it wasnt for riding with him. I guess it all comes down to individual guys and girls!!!!

My suggestion was more aimed at beginners, and people who are think it might be cool to get into the sport that their partner really enjoys doing. I personally enjoy riding with guys, the only person I ride off road with is a guy. But I know when I started I prefered riding with a girlfriend who was not quite a beginner but was really understanding.

From the way you say and look like you ride, apart from the fact that there is no way I would keep up with you, but I think I would be a little intimidated by your level of riding, although I'm sure you would put anyone at ease.

[shena]

wow, after reading about others experiences, I think I can say that mine in canberra have been quite wonderful.
Ive competed in 2 x 12hr xc races here and at rossi, and was stunned by the generous and caring nature of the other riders on the track, both male and female. Anytime I showed any signs of distress on the track I was asked by almost every passing rider if all was ok.
1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?
I am not particularly competitive when it comes to riding, but entered as my husband and I had encouraged a coupla other girls to start riding when I did, n we thought we'd join the boys for a night race as night riding is the best buzz ;-) I would not currently enter the scott24hr as I dont particularly like kowen and do find the sheer number of 3000 odd riders intimidating. If I did compete again it would be purely to have fun with the girls n fellas we ride with in a great environment ;-)
2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?
The skills camps that CORC run are wonderful, I have not attended but a friend has, and she raved about it. They are a great building block for future racers.
Spot prizes are probably a good incentive/motivator.
We try to encourage as many people into riding as possible, and recommend to those that make any noises about competing to first go watch a local race as a spectator. Going out to see the 2000 Mont 24hr was what convinced us to buy bikes ;-)

[Mandy]

I am just a begineer. but when i was younger i used to ride bmx all the time with teh boys thats probably why i like riding with my bf coz i am used to riding with boys!!!!

[dilemma]

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?



Hey girls,

I've just experienced my first DH race - I've been keen to do it for a long time and finally bit the bullet and did it!

But first I'll share my thoughts on the questions...

1. I think probably the intimidation factor comes into it a lot. Especially if you don't know someone who's already into it. I think this is the case for all disciplines of cycling on a whole (except maybe triathlon) which makes it pretty hard to get into it. I've often wondered why there are a lot more women involved in triathlon than other forms of cycling, considering that it's a pretty bloody hard sport (especially to be good at all 3 disciplines!). But it's made a lot more accessible and I guess it's a fair bit more mainstream with its connection to surf lifesaving/ironman etc.

So probably to make mtb racing more accessible, that's a good idea that (I think) Terranik had about 'learn to race' days. In terms of making racing more accessible, I think endurance racing (8, 12, 24 hour) is helping that quite a bit as you get to experience a race but it's not necessarily ultra competitive.

2. What would make it more enticing? Knowing that you can go to a race and there will be friendly, helpful and encouraging people - girls and guys - would be an instant enticer, and for the most part I'd like to think this is already the case! But it would be great to have a guarantee!


There's a bit of a write-up about the race I did yesterday on the girl+bike site, and a couple of pics too. I'll put some more pics into the gallery soon.

http://www.girlplusbike.com/Pages/Inspire/Inspire%20stories/Girls%20down%20hills.html

I ended up with a mechanical so couldn't finish my qualifying run (or do the final run) so that was a bugger, but I had a great day anyway getting to know the other girls and seeing how all the racing stuff works for DH!

(Thanks to Lizardskin, Jules & Jules for helping me out!)

:)

[MTB-ChiK]

Hey dilemma,

Great write-up and website you got there :) It was really good reading the article on your first DH race as I could relate to that too! I had my first race in Mt Gambier last month and the Adelaide girls were just awesome to hang out with and were very friendly and helpful. I only wish I could've been there for Eagle Quarry! The weather, track, everything looked perfect for a great race. Bugger about your breakage during your run though :( Don't feel too bad, at least your body isn't injured... I haven't been able to ride DH for over a month since my shoulder is still cactus from a pre-race injury (wahh!... maybe I should get it x-rayd :rolleyes: )

In regards to riding with the guys I have never had a problem with our local boys... And the guys I've met through DH racing have all been pretty good. Even though they smell out the shuttle buses & pay each other out with rather crude humor (which I'm used to, and find amusing anyway) I think the majority of them are great & have respect for the chicks. Those that don't, and find it necessary to put chicks down... well, they're the ones with 'issues' and are just threatened that you'll outride them one day, if not already!.... roxy, that's you :)

[mtbmamma]

Hey Emma,

Great report and great photos. You did well riding in elite, shame about the mechanical. Good luck in your next race. Keep us posted. :D

[SCF]

Hi all,
I'm from Brissy and have attended a few DH events and competed in one (whoo!). I'm definately keen to have a proper go at racing next season, and would love to see other girls have a go as well - I don't think there were many girls racing this year at all in QLD...

I think that having confidence is a big factor in starting racing - that means a bike you feel good on, and spending a lot of time on that bike riding different tracks and getting a few skills before turning up to a race day.

More women-specific rides and skills sessions would be great, but I think riding with 'the boys' is really important cos they can teach you heaps. Besides, any race day will be male dominated, so the more you ride with boys the more tolerant to testosterone you will be!

Zooke - Roadie Rob (on farkin) has been doing some basic and Intermediate womens only clinics - I've been to one and got heaps of help from it. I recommend heading along to one - just check his website. If there are a few girls around keen on more specific coaching we could hook up and do a group session...

Hi peep
I too ride with guys all of the time and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the challenge of trying to keep up with them and the fact that it forces me to ride thing's I might otherwise chicken out on.

What you've said makes a lot of sense, spending plenty of time on your bike and being comfortable on it before you hit the racing scene makes a huge difference. I spent a couple of years just riding my bike and building up my skill base and confidence before starting XC/enduro racing last year.

I have found most guys are very supportive of chicks in racing, simply because we are giving it a go. I have to admit when I first started it was a tad daunting. I am no XC whippet and I got overtaken by absolutely everybody. But the more I race, the better I feel, the faster I get.

BTW. I am also from Brissy and am keen to get into DH racing. I was hoping to buy a DH bike soon so I can start racing this season. I'm not sure how likely that is at this stage, as DH rigs are soooo expensive:mad:

[wgtngrl]

the more I race, the better I feel, the faster I get.
this is a message i keep repeating. it's so true! a lot of girls are stuck in a bit of a catch 22 saying they don't want to race because they're not good enough yet not believing it would actually make them better. and it applies to both xc and dh. the thought of my next race or series is what keeps me motivated enough to sacrifice my sleep-ins, drinking, get out and train in horrible conditions (that, and i can call the boys soft;) )

then again i just love this game...

so many dh chicks on here - what's in the water over there??? :)

[mtbmamma]

this is a message i keep repeating. it's so true! a lot of girls are stuck in a bit of a catch 22 saying they don't want to race because they're not good enough yet not believing it would actually make them better. and it applies to both xc and dh. the thought of my next race or series is what keeps me motivated enough to sacrifice my sleep-ins, drinking, get out and train in horrible conditions (that, and i can call the boys soft;) )

then again i just love this game...

so many dh chicks on here - what's in the water over there??? :)

I think its a bit of good old Aussie pride. Us girls have it in spades and won't let those guys beat us..............well, maybe they can beat us, not all of them, but at least they can't call us soft.

I think we all love our bikes no matter what and thats what keeps us coming back for more.:D

[roxy12]

amen to that!

[* Kate]

Hit the Nail on the head with being stuck in the catch 22 (Don't want to race coz don't feel they're good enough :eek: - but how do you get better if you don't!?) Totally Agree!!

I went to my first DH race yesterday (down at Long Gully) and that's got me massively motivated to get into racing!! :)

I'm pretty apprehensive about it, pruely because it is such a male dominated sport.

It was fantastic to see 2 girls racing (that's what inspired me...coz no matter what i'd have a placing!!! :p)

i reckon there need to be more Girl rides and that to put it out there that girls do ride and that may break this intimidation thing - or more of an excuse for more events

But also i learnt yesterday when i was at this race, that the boys were more then happy to see girls out there riding and have a crack! :)

[peep]

I think its a bit of good old Aussie pride. Us girls have it in spades and won't let those guys beat us..............well, maybe they can beat us, not all of them, but at least they can't call us soft.

I think we all love our bikes no matter what and thats what keeps us coming back for more.:D

Nicely put... Its great to see so many girls getting keen!

Hi SCF - I know what you mean about the expense of a full DH rig, its a bit too much for a dodgy student like myself! I've got a great compromise at the moment - a short travel duallie which I do everything on (commute, XC, DH).

This is another good point to throw into the discussion - I don't think having the latest and greatest DH or XC set-up is essential for anyone wanting to have a go. A sturdy bike with good brakes, and decent protective gear is a good start.

[dilemma]

I went to my first DH race yesterday (down at Long Gully) and that's got me massively motivated to get into racing!! :)

I'm pretty apprehensive about it, pruely because it is such a male dominated sport.

It was fantastic to see 2 girls racing (that's what inspired me...coz no matter what i'd have a placing!!! :p)

i reckon there need to be more Girl rides and that to put it out there that girls do ride and that may break this intimidation thing - or more of an excuse for more events

But also i learnt yesterday when i was at this race, that the boys were more then happy to see girls out there riding and have a crack! :)

Hey Kate! Glad to hear you're thinking about giving DH racing a crack. I thought about it and dreamed about it for about a year (or more!) and everytime I saw DH racing I was heaps motivated to get into it.

Good luck with it, hey!!

(It's pretty addictive...)

[Emziie]

1. Why are there not more girls interested in racing of any sort - downhill, mtnx or xc?

XC would be alright for me, but seeing the rock gardens and jumps that I see others do at races look to complicated for me. MTNX would be alright aswell, but I am not really a person that tries new things. And the fact that I am hopeless at riding may have something to do with it too :p

2. What would make it more enticing for girls to race?

I'm just too scared to try it, so I don't really have an answer for that question - Sorry!

[mtbmamma]

Hit the Nail on the head with being stuck in the catch 22 (Don't want to race coz don't feel they're good enough :eek: - but how do you get better if you don't!?) Totally Agree!!

I went to my first DH race yesterday (down at Long Gully) and that's got me massively motivated to get into racing!! :)

I'm pretty apprehensive about it, pruely because it is such a male dominated sport.

It was fantastic to see 2 girls racing (that's what inspired me...coz no matter what i'd have a placing!!! :p)

i reckon there need to be more Girl rides and that to put it out there that girls do ride and that may break this intimidation thing - or more of an excuse for more events

But also i learnt yesterday when i was at this race, that the boys were more then happy to see girls out there riding and have a crack! :)

Great to see you thinking about riding. The guys are usually great about girls getting into DH, very encouraging. Also yes, there are not many girls and those that race locally are split into 3 groups, elite, sport and veteran. So there is plenty of scope for girls to make the podium. As for girls only rides, we are trying with the CTMTB at Lithgow, 2 hours west of Sydney, to get a girls weekend going in January.

Anyway Kate, good luck and hopefully see you on the mountain soon. :D