Women's Freeride Weekend - Glentress
Source: Margaret Turner, Scottish Women's Downhill Development
Posted: 4 August 2008
October 4th and 5th 2008,Glentress Freeride Park, so Ladies, we've all been there....It's a fabulous day mountain biking and you're out with your buddies having fun. Then the boys in the group start leaping off things on the trail which you reach, freeze up, then nearly kill yourself trying to find the 'chicken route' round it (which by the way is usually worse)! Or you can get your wheels off the ground but you wish you could do it with a bit more confidence or style!
Well fast forward to October 4th and 5th 2008 and this event is just for you. Lynne Aitchison and her buddies in the biking world have decided to put together a weekend just for girls which will incorporate coaching from various well known names from the biking community, including Tracy and Emma from the Hub, Chris Ball from Dirt School and others who will be confirmed nearer the time. The coaching will take place on the Saturday so that you can learn how to get your wheels off the ground, or learn how to do that 'no-hander' you always wanted to do, then on the Sunday why not show off your new found skills in the Air Maiden competition which will have prizes for all categories from beginners to experienced riders.
Lynne says,
"After staying in Canada for a year I noticed how many women of all standards rode their bikes and how many "women only" skills days/events took place to assist them and help them gain more skills. It really was great because we all know that most women learn well together without the boys. When I came back home however I realised that for Scotland to be the mountain bike capital of the world there was very little to entice girls to try new things. We have the facilities, just no organised events to get everyone of all abilities together and having fun. I am part of a small women's club which runs events for downhilling but nothing for freeriding or jumping, which seems daft since we already have a great facility at Glentress. So I approached the forestry and a few of the bike shops to see if we could get this idea off the ground. They are very supportive and may make some new additions to the freeride park just for this event. Steve Deas from I-Cycles in Innerleithen has become the main sponsor so far, although we are still looking for more. The girls from the Hub in the Forest will also be providing support as well as their coaching expertise. So if you want to learn a new skill and have a whole load of fun come along, especially for the BBQ on the Saturday! I'm hoping if this is a success then we can make it a yearly event. Scotland's very own Womensworx....how good would that be?"
For anyone who doesn't know the Glentress Freeride park, it's a good place to hone skills and to learn, as there are various sizes of jumps and tabletops as well as drops and wall rides etc. The 'Air Maiden' event will basically run similar to the Womensworx event last year at Crankworx in Canada which Lynne took part in.
"I found the format of this event to be very relaxed and friendly with both novice and pro riders all pushing themselves and encouraging each other'
The idea is to pass through various nominated judging areas showing off as much style as you want, doing as many of the obstacles as you want. Your run is then graded by our panel of judges and will be based on criteria such as style, fluidity, amplitude and the winner will be crowned Air Maiden! However don't worry if you're just starting out, as there will be different categories with consideration being taken as to how much improved you are in the two days. There will be various prizes and the emphasis is on fun with plenty of things happening on the Saturday night with a BBQ, live music etc. Remember whether you have never had your wheels off the ground or you consider yourself a freeride phenomenon, there will be coaching to suit your skills and a place in Air Maiden to show off what you've learned. This really is an event for all abilities. 40GBP will get you coaching and entry into the Air Maiden event. For more info log on to www.downhiller.co.uk and download your entry form.
See you there!
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