Words by: Jo Peters and Bella Roelveld
Photos by: Trish Bromley
Another incredible day shredding with all ladies. 40 women participated in the Jo&Co x Kona coaching event on September 30th at the Coast Gravity Park. Each rider showed up with a goal to progress on bikes. We as coaches were there to facilitate not only that but also help build confidence; breaking through barriers created by past fears or second guessing.
There is nothing better than confiding in each other, coming up with a plan to overcome and then sending it with the support of other women but without the pressure to do anything we don’t want to do.
I can’t wait for Spring, where we get to perfect the process and ride together again.
Sessioning easy stuff is a huge part of the day. We tackle approachable corners, jumps or drops and practice safe techniques over and over, creating muscle memories. We chat about how it feels and talk about where we need to be looking before, during and after the feature. We take videos of each other, encourage each other and goof around. Slowly all fears are eradicated and we are just out in the woods having a good time.

Ambassador Bella Roelelvd’s take:
It is rare to find an environment where you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. This is exactly what Jo&Co is all about. Women supporting women to grow as individuals and mountain bikers. When I first attended Jo’s clinic in the Spring, I wasn’t sure if I had the skills to be a mountain bike coach. We all have that voice in the back of our head telling us we can’t do something. The more time I spend around people like Jo, the quieter that voice gets. Getting a chance to lead a crew of such welcoming and amazing women this September was an experience I will not soon forget. Even though I was teaching them, they also taught me. We all left the park that day with new skills and a sense of community
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