Melissa Boyd

It does seem like women are avoiding mountain bike races, and some of the
responses I heard said that it is "too hard".

Races are supposed to be hard! But, some promoters seem to take great glee
in making them as hard as possible. That may be discouraging some of the
women who are just getting started. For instance, if half the riders in a
category find a long section of singletrack climb (or descent) unrideable
and have to push their bikes, is that "too hard" for that category? What if
it's 80%, or 100% that have to walk? Is that getting excessive? If the
beginner women find they are spending more time pushing their bikes than
riding them, it may be hard to get them to come back and try again. And yet,
that may be just the Best Course Ever for the Expert riders and the strong
guys.

Most races have beginner's distances that are shorter than the Sport and
Expert races. Although it would be harder for the organizers, they might get
more novices to give it a try if the beginner's course was technically
easier and not just shorter.

Melissa

On 6/2/08, sue butler wrote:
>
> I agree that this was a great race and a lot of fun. When do you get to
> race on almost ALL singletrack?
> I also agree that it was extremely disappointing to have only 4 women line
> up for the afternoon session of racing. I know the Silverton road race took
> a few 'regulars' out of the pack, but I continue to wonder why other women
> don't like to race their mtb's? It is great fun, great people and a great
> workout! Stay tuned for upcoming mtb clinics that will be at the short track
> races, which start later this month. Maybe this will help get more women out
> there racing their mountain bikes. I think all the men that were there need
> to work on one woman each to get them there. Because I know when you have no
> one to race, sometimes then you don't go and the cycle continues... I was
> just glad to be home and able to race a new venue!!!
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