Many of the trail network volunteers and professionals within the Bike Borderlands collaborative are women – something we’re especially proud of given mountain biking’s reputation as a male-dominated sport. We talked with several of these women about their experience and perspective on the growth of women’s mountain biking in northern New England, and how they encourage other women to get involved.
We first asked for thoughts about why mountain biking has not always seemed like a fun, safe, accessible place for women. Lil Ide, Communication and Education Director at Kingdom Trails, points out that cultural norms have been one major barrier. “Traditionally (in my age group) boys have been encouraged to be brave and take chances,” she said. “Girls are supposed to look pretty, be safe, make sure we are treated like a ‘princess.’ These social expectations are not conducive for busting your ass on a mountain bike!”
Kelly McCann, a founder and board member of Bethlehem Trails Association, said “While it’s softening, I still find mountain bike culture to have the reputation of being adrenaline-fueled and dangerous. That’s a huge deterrent for many women I know who are more motivated to just get outside, exercise, and have fun,” says Kelly.
Lil reminds us that it’s not easy for anyone to get into. “A good bike costs a lot of money, and there are so many of them out there, it’s hard to know what’s what, and what you need without a lot of research.”
Given these obstacles, it’s no surprise that meeting other women who ride is crucial for many women to get involved in mountain biking. Lil started riding seriously when a friend organized a women’s freeride event in Oregon: “Seeing her and the women that joined us at the event showed me that women are capable of pushing ourselves more than I thought possible.”
Maura Adams, Director of Community Investment at the Northern Forest Center and organizer of Bike Borderlands, didn’t feel like mountain biking was for her until a female cousin and friend started riding: “I realized this was something that was open to me. A few rides with other women was all it took.” Similarly, Kelly notes: “I enjoy riding with my girlfriends- doing group rides together always makes me feel more confident and at ease on the trails.”
Fortunately, more and more opportunities are arising for women to gain comfort and confidence with mountain biking. Vermont’s Juli Hamblin created Glorious Ladies on Wheels (GLOW MTB) to do just that. Through group rides, events, and a podcast, the group is uplifting women mountain bikers of all ages and abilities. Juli says: “I see such a positive vibe growing in the community. There is still a long way to go, but it is so nice to see what is happening.”
Shanna Maziarz, board member of PRKR MTN Trails, is happy to see male riders reacting positively to women on the trails. She says, “I think that one of my favorite things is being out on the trail with some girlfriends and running into groups of guys riding together and them being so psyched to see more ladies out on the trails, to have them share in the same excitement that you do.”
For women considering mountain biking, Lil offers that “The key is to have confidence in your ability to navigate the barriers, be willing to fall, wear knee pads and a good helmet, and enjoy the experience.” Shanna’s recommendation: “Just go do it! Go to that local bike shop and rent a bike, sign up for that group ride, give it a go on your own, grab a girlfriend who is always up for an adventure and try something new.”
We’d love to hear stories from women in the Bike Borderlands community about your experience in mountain biking and how you see women gaining ground. Send us a note or share photos on our social media. Happy riding, all!
