SheRides seeks more local women mountain bike riders
She Rides is an effort by the Superior Cycling Association (SCA) to include more women mountain bikers in their events. The three-day mountain bike clinic will take place Jun. 21-23.
WTIP spoke with organizers about the upcoming event. Molly Hicken is part of the SCA, and Leigh Kramarczuk is one of the co-owners of Stöke MTB. Stöke is a woman-owned mountain bike skills instruction company based in Minneapolis. The SCA is organizing the event, though coaches for the clinic will be provided by Stöke.
The clinic has 80 spots for participants. Hicken said that the clinic still has about 30 spaces left. However, of the 50 people already registered, there are only a few locals. She said that she hopes that more local riders, or those who are “mountain bike curious,” will join the event.
The clinic includes more structures classes and coaching, but the organizers have also included social events for the participants. Hicken said, “The idea is not just that you’ll be biking at the event with awesome women that you connect with there, but hopefully that, especially our local ridership and those visitors who come up frequently to use our trails, can connect and ride together in the future.”
Kramarczuk said that her favorite part of the clinic in past years has been the community building aspects of the weekend. She said, “If you don’t even have a mountain bike, if this is your first time out into the sport, this is a great launching off button. It’s also a great spot to build your skills just to be steeped in that kind of, you know, this, we call it the Stoke of mountain biking and really encouraging each other. No one’s pushed into doing anything that they’re not comfortable with. And it’s just a really comfortable place to learn.”
To participate, Hicken said that riders should have a good helmet, and a mountain bike with working breaks. If those interested in participating aren’t sure about whether their bike is in good enough condition, some rental bikes are available.
Kirsten Wisniewski May 22, 2024
