Words by Kate Strom and Jon Strom
Photos by Leslie Kehmeier

On August 20th, 25 courageous women descended on Silver Creek Bike Park in Berea, KY for the 2022 KYMBA Bluegrass Women’s MTB Clinic. Sharp coaches, a community-built bike park and incredible support from Kona Bikes, added up to a full day of building both skills and confidence.
After a hearty local breakfast, some strong coffee, and a warm welcome, the riders broke up into groups of five or six to begin skills training with their coaches. Women who were strangers to start the day were soon offering support and encouragement for their new found riding buddies. Cheers, high fives and fellowship resonated from each small victory and major breakthrough. The recurring theme that echoed from each session was: “Stop apologizing!” Riders who worried that their skills, speed or equipment were holding back the riding group were instead encouraged to confidently take up space, ride their ride and enjoy the process

Soon, riders were conquering features they’d never attempted before and riding with a level of poise and control they never thought possible. Each lap brought noticeable improvement and more smiles than the last and the day wasn’t even over yet!  

 
Later in the afternoon, riders were given option to keep shredding laps, but most chose to make their way back to the tent for a bike maintenance session with local female mechanics. Many started out with some reservations about making any adjustments on their bikes, but soon realized they had a strong desire to get their hands dirty. The mechanics were quick to hand over their tools, and with them an overwhelming sense of empowerment to wrench, learn, and speak confidently about their bikes. The breakout mechanic’s clinic, which was piloted at last year’s event, has overwhelmingly become one of the most popular sessions of the entire weekend.

The day wrapped up with some fabulous door prizes and a happy hour. Participants reveled in their successes over frosty beverages, thanked their coaches and made plans with their new riding buddies. A strong sense of community was forged around riding bikes and a shared desire to improve. At the end of the day our riders left with a boatload of well-deserved confidence, knowing they could ride unapologetically.