Women's mtb skills days in Adelaide

[Gemma]

InsideLine is hosting a series of skills days for gals who enjoy riding offroad, and are keen to work on mtb skills.
Sarah Booth (who rode for Australia at the DH World Championships in NZ, '06) provides instruction to groups on skills such as cornering, jumping, drops and handling rough terrain.

Calendar updates are available, and registration details and queries can be made via www.ilmtb.com.
To date, planned events include:
14/10/06 Eagle Mountainbike Park
03/12/06 Happy Valley BMX track
06/01/07 Prospect Hill XC track
04/02/07 Upper Hermitage, 4X track

It's been a blast seeing so much improvement in the riding of those attending - including me!! Every improvement just increases the craving to ride more... you could call it an endless cycle...

[TerraNik]

That link doesn't work - I think it should be http://www.ilmtb.com

[Gemma]

Yep - sorry about that. Thanks for fixing it, as I didn't get time! I'm sooo excited about the Eagle Park event tomorrow - the tracks are lurvely. I'll be sleep-pedalling tonight.

[Gemma]

Well the mtb skills day went off without a hitch yesterday. Sarah Booth handled a diverse group of riders - some junior DH girls, a couple of XC-ers and some elite and sport DH women.

I was stoked that everyone tried something new. The young 'uns were impressive - the've attended 2 races so far. Those on their hardtails handled the rocky/steep terrain no worries, after a few goes. One of them was clearing this decent step-up by the end. The XC-ers were riding down the DH track with growing confidence by the end, followed by some off-trail work on hopping & jumping. And the rest of us DH-ers worked on trying different lines, corners, whatever popped up in the trail.

A Channel 7 crew were out filming some of these activities, to be used to promote the park next month on 'Discover' - the juniors were extraordinarily excited about this part of the day. I can't say this feeling was shared by all.

Anyway, lessons learned:
*Start riding young, girls - before fear/worry set in. Maybe 12-15 years is good?? If you're older or just have these issues anyway, learn how to beat them so it doesn't muck you up!
*Ride, ride and ride.

[TerraNik]

Sounds like it was a big success!! Hopefully it will continue that way and numbers will grow!

[mtbmamma]

Starting riding young does beat the fear factor but it it could be a bike or motorbike that will help you on your way. :D

[Gemma]

Starting riding young does beat the fear factor but it it could be a bike or motorbike that will help you on your way. :D

I think I get what you mean, mamma... facing scary stuff is the only way to overcome that fear. But sometimes it's hard to squash it.

I did ride a dirt bike for 5 years, and had some stellar stacks!