The Scene: A 12-year-old girl looks on as an impressive number of pro female riders compete in the Sweetlines Sugar Showdown hosted at Duthie Hill Park, the first all-female freeride competition of its kind in the northwestern United States. Then, the 12-year-old girl gets on her own bike and takes first place in the amateur division. That’s not a misprint as she was overheard saying, “If she can do it, I can do it.”
Right about now you should be asking yourself how does such a young person achieve these results? I know I am.
The answer, it turns out is pretty simple. Just start with a welcome mat that encourages camaraderie and you will draw droves of enthused female mountain bike riders of all skill levels. Throw in a few mentors and the recipe is ripe with a natural spread of passion for learning that continues to spur the growth that is already bubbling in the female mountain bike community. Let it be known that these ladies know what they want – a solid community – and they’re making it happen one new female biker at a time.
The two-day event kicked off with a coaching workshop run by some of the pro riders covering a whole range of skills from basic techniques to more advanced jumps, wall rides and more. The take-away for all the jazzed amateurs, including a mother and daughter duo, is to keep pushing yourself and others to be better because there’s a whole community of women waiting in the wings with high-fives.
For a full run-down of the Sweetline Sugar Showdown event along with gorgeous photos and a complete list of the competition winners, check out this post on Pinkbike.com
And remember ladies… if they can do it, so can you!
Get rolling towards your first trail run with education classes designed for any level of experience through the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.
And when you’re ready, bring your bike and a friend to Duthie Hill Park; 120 acres of dense evergreen forest with a range of mountain bike trails for all skill levels located on the Sammamish Plateau.
I’m willing to bet there’s a high-five waiting for you.