The main objective of the 2015 Bellingham Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic was to empower more local women to be self-sufficient mountain bikers with an emphasis on fun, safe progressions and a well-rounded understanding of not just technical riding skills, but bike and trail maintenance as well. Kona racer and ambassador, Kirsten Jensen, organized this exceptional weekend with a bike maintenance class, a technical mountain bike skills clinic, plenty of trail riding, a trail maintenance and building lesson, great swag, Kona demos, free beer, and delicious food – all organized, lead, taught, executed, and documented by female mountain bike enthusiasts and professionals. It goes down in history as one of the most comprehensive mountain bike clinics in existence. Check out some photos and highlights from the weekend here and stay tuned for a video recap in the making now!
All Photos: Jennica Lowell Instagram @jennicalowell
Breaking down the many barriers for women entering their local bike shop is a high priority for The Kona Bicycle Company – so hosting the ladies at Jack’s Bicycle Center for a lesson on bike maintenance was key. Here Becca Margulies educates the clinic participants on the art of bicycle maintenance with a specific focus on trail-side maintenance emergencies.
We are on a mission to get more women feeling confident getting out on rides by themselves or with other women who might not have the mechanical knowledge to be comfortable on solo rides. Here Rhonda, co-owner of Jack’s, demonstrates how to break a chain before passing it over for each of the students to get some hands-on practice.
The high energy and extensive knowledge from our rock star coaches – Angi, Lindsey, and Lisa – keep the ladies captive during the entire learning process. The pink you see on everyone’s helmets are name tags – getting to know each other is a big part of what makes the Bellingham Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic so special.
Bringing like-minded women together in an environment where we encourage each other, connect, and play nicely means that you can leave your ego behind, show your true self, and really thrive while you are progressing your understanding of technical mountain bike skills. I think the smiles speak for themselves… This type of learning environment is just plain FUN!
You can always count on lead coach, Angi Weston, to be smiling from ear-to-ear while riding her bike. Especially, the perfect Kona Process 134 SE. Coaching is a true calling for Angi and it shows in her enthusiastic and patient approach.
Barbara Karabin and Val Thompson of the WMBC lead the ladies into the woods armed with tools and a deeper understanding of proper trail maintenance. After the clinic we asked the ladies how many of them would now feel comfortable participating in their local trail work parties and they all raised their hands high.
Two thumbs-up for all the ladies who participated and to all the sponsors and supporters that made the event not just possible but awesome:
The Kona Bicycle Company
Jack’s Bicycle Center
Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC)
Boundary Bay Brewery
Homegrown Racing
Liet Unlimited
Ladies AllRide
Valpak
Voler
Shredly
Kirsten Jensen and the whole Jensen family
Angi Weston – Kona Bicycle Company
Lindsey Voreis – Ladies AllRide
Lisa Mason – Women’s Freeride Movement
Becca Margulies – Kona Bicycle Company
Barbara Karabin – WMBC President
Val Thompson – WMBC Vice President
Rhonda VanNus– Jack’s Bicycle Center
Freya Fennwood – videographer
Jennica Lowell – photographer
Chris Mellick – stunt builder
Amy, Javon, Christin, & Leah for volunteering
The Kona Bike Shop
Hero Kit, Pedal Power, Nuu Muu, Dirty Jane, Mtb4Her, Fairhaven Fitness, POC, LexiMiller.com, Lakeway Inn, Cateye bike lights, Erin Baker, Tony’s Coffee, Upfront Theater, Terry Bicycles, Tifosi, Harlot Bike Wear, Pedal and Coast, Modsock, Burley Girls, and Trailhead Athletics.
If you missed out on the clinic this year – watch for our announcement on dates and registration for next summer’s clinic
