It’s only March and I’m already counting down the months and weeks until our Diamonds in the Dirt event on 25 August at Awaba MTB Park.
My vision for Diamonds in the Dirt is not create a gender gap, or exclude men, but rather to foster an environment of excitement and positive vibes that women so richly deserve, and sharing that among a group of your best mates doing what you love – riding your bike!
I created this event after having my little son Cosmo and two years on more than ever this event is a big motivation for me to go out and ride. I want to encourage girls and women to get into and keep riding and racing – it is a fact that especially in my mid- to high thirties age group it is very tough to get everything under one roof: work, family, hobbies, friends, not to mention that precious “me-time” (say whaaaat?!?).
It’s amazing to “play” a little role in the women’s events realm and I want to share some of those great events coming up with our Rocky Trail racers and friends – spread the word and let’s keep motivating each other!
Here are women’s-specific events and activities coming up in chronological order:
EVENTS:
Gear Up Girl, Sydney NSW – 11 March 2018
Not a mountain biking event to start my list, but still a very well-known and great event to get into it.
http://www.gearupgirl.com.au/
Jills at Jacks, Nambucca Heads NSW – 18 March 2018
‘Jills at Jacks’ is a mountain bike race for women and girls, to be held at the Jacks Ridge Track in the Nambucca State Forest and run by a sub-committee of the Nambucca Valley Cycle Club.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/JillsatJacksRidge
Dirt de Femme, Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra ACT – 6 May 2018
This year these gals will once again give you the choice between two awesome courses (21km and 45km) – this is a very popular race and has become a Canberran institution of an event!
http://www.dirtdefemme.com.au/
Diamonds in the Dirt, Awaba MTB Park near Newcastle NSW – 25 August 2018
This is Rocky Trail’s very own Women’s Only event at Awaba MTB Park – we pick a course together with the local club girls, usually around 6-8km and it’s a 3-hour lap race with solo and team categories.
http://www.rockytrailentertainment.com/events/Diamonds-overview.html
Chicks in the Sticks, Karingal Scout Camp in Brisband QLD – 26 August 2018
One of THE original women’s-specific events in Australia that I know of and really popular in Queensland! An all inclusive race experience just for the chicks right on Brisbane’s doorstep. This race will offer solo and team categories for the 3hr as well as a 30min race for the Jnr chicks.
https://www.facebook.com/ratsccchicksinthesticks/
COMMUNITY:
Chicks Who Ride Bikes – CWRB
This is a brand-new online community built for us female mountain bikers in Australia! In their own words:
Who are we? We’re a female-owned and operated company built on the strongest of foundations: diversity, camaraderie and adventure. Put simply: we’re a bunch of chicks who believe that riding bikes will change your life.
https://chickswhoridebikes.com/
Sign up and become a part of their community – create your own profile and let’s be friends!
Sign up: https://chickswhoridebikes.com/community/
Let’s be friends on CWRB: https://chickswhoridebikes.com/profile/trailbunny/
And did I already mention they have an ONLINE SHOP with heaps of cool shwag?!?!? Yasss!
https://chickswhoridebikes.com/shop/
SKILLS CLINICS:
I’ve heard only good things about the following skills clinics and coaches who offer women’s-specific activities:
Dynamic Cycling Academy
Central Coast-based, run by Jarrad Connolly, an avid Rocky Trail downhill, enduro and XC racer – he often offers clinics together with female racers and coaches, like Kellie Weinert.
https://www.facebook.com/dynamiccyclingacademy/
Momentum is your Friend
Newcastle-based, run by Leanne Ardern, a very active Newy rider and racer. They offer skills clinics of many levels and in cool locations, including Awaba MTB Park.
https://www.momentumisyourfriend.com.au/
SheRides
This is the women’s-specific program by Cycling Australia and they have chapters all around the country with local coaches facilitating courses and rides.
http://cycling.org.au/Participation/She-Rides
Manning MTB
This two session (Sunday 4th & 11th of March) women specific course is being held in the lead up to the race. Plus it is offered at the discounted rate of $85 (would normally be $99) and is open to anyone who has registered for the event.
https://www.manningmtb.com.au/product-page/jills-at-jacks-prep-course-sunday-4th-11th-of-march
If you know of a women’s-specific event, or riding group or clinic, please contact me via juliane@rockytrailentertainment.com and I’d be more than happy to share the details with our Rocky Trail network.
Cheerio,
Juliane
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