by Suzanne Johnson Hit the Trails, Sister Two women stand straddling their bikes slightly off the trail, peering over the handlebars at the sharp descent ahead, analyzing a route through a chute of roots and rocks. “Coming through!” calls the third as she shoots past, standing up off the bike seat and shifting her weight back for the descent. “Woohoo! Come on, you two can DO this!” Each Thursday evening this small group of Central Oregon women redefine Happy Hour, meeting over knobby tires on the trails instead of cocktails at the bar. And they are not alone.

Once considered an extreme sport requiring an excess of testosterone, mountain biking has grown to include riders of all ages and abilities, and increasing numbers of women are discovering the thrills and rewards of off-road biking. What’s drawing them in? All the elements are there: a total body workout to challenges the brain as well as the lungs, fresh air and adventure, wild and beautiful scenery. Not to mention the cute biking jerseys that begin to fill your closet once you get hooked. “Mountain biking is a triple bonus.” says Kari Paz, an avid trail biker. “I get a great workout, but it’s also really fun recreation, plus an excuse to spend time with friends.” This is an inherently social activity, both for safety and for the camaraderie, and finding riding buddies is easier than you might expect. Women’s biking clubs and clinics have sprung up in just about every bike-friendly locale throughout North America. Most can be found online, such as Central Oregon’s Bend Bella Cyclists which includes the ride calendar, trail updates, and a photo gallery. Travel New Ground For the vacation planner, mountain biking opens a veritable smorgasbord of adventure travel options, especially when touring the Pacific Northwest or the Rockies. Popular biking destinations such as Winter Park, Colorado, or Whistler, British Columbia, have embraced women riders by offering discount rates on gear rental, single day clinics, and multi-day full service tours. Tour companies such as Women’s Quest and MTB Chick offer adventures for women traveling solo or with friends, to challenge the body, mind and spirit. Even Moab, Utah, long considered the North American mecca for aggressive, expert mountain bikers, now hosts Babes in the Backcountry, adventure tours for women of all ability levels. Whether in their own hometown or a travel destination, new riders can get the inside scoop on local trails by contacting a local bike shop. Most bike shop staff are passionate about riding, and eager to provide tips on current trail conditions, group rides and clinics, as well as post-ride entertainment options. Off-road bikers can get completely decked out in protective gear head to toe, but to get started there are only a few essential items. The most essential piece of gear? Even more important than a great bike is a properly fitted helmet. True, it will mess up your hair, but not as much as a head-first crash into a tree. Take time to try different sizes and styles, and have the bike shop staff help you adjust the straps for a correct and comfortable fit. Next on the gear priority list is a hydration pack: a small backpack which holds a plastic water pouch, allowing the rider to hydrate on the move rather than stopping to reach for a water bottle. Most styles include a good-sized pocket for small essentials: an energy bar, map and compass, and an ID. A well-stocked hydration pack should also include a new inner tube, tire levers, and a CO2 tire inflator or a pump, if you want to build those biceps. Be sure that at least one of your riding pals knows how to change a flat tire! As for clothing, comfort and mobility are key. Padded bike shorts provide cushion to be sure, and loose fitting double shorts or skorts offer an alternative to form-hugging lycra. Gloves also provide nice cushioning; choose the full-fingered style to protect knuckles and nails from scrapes. As for shoes, a firm-soled hiking shoe will deliver that kinetic energy from quad muscle to pedal quite efficiently; clip-in shoes that lock in to the pedals are a good upgrade once the rider’s skills advance. And about that bike . . . Mountain bikes vary substantially in a number of factors, including geometry, suspension, brake leverage, and pedal crank size. Some bikes are designed for a woman’s typically shorter torso, but most of it is simply a matter of personal preference. With prices ranging into the thousands, many women choose to demo a variety of bikes before narrowing it down to one purchase. For a small rental fee, most bike shops rent excellent mountain bikes, so play the field before making that commitment. For even more info, check out our section on mountain biking gear here.