Girls on wheels

Pod introImagine living with conditions that mean the thing that you love to do that brings you peace, sanity and good mental health is also the thing that will then knock you off your feet.Today I talk with Katie Love about living with EDS and TOS and despite this, having the fortitude to send it on her mountain bike and do what she can, when she can. We chat about the layers of thought that go into daily decisions and activity and the constant balancing act she is navigating in regards to her energy, body and mind.Katie shares how mountain biking allows her to blend in with the crowd, she is not ill Katie when she is on her bike, she is just Katie.  It almost provides a shield from pity and self consciousness, something I am certain we can all relate to in some shape or form. Katie is a bloody trooper and this episode will inspire the socks off you.The Guest: I am using cycling as my escape and therapy due to having multiple conditions that effects me physically and mentally and aim to inspire those like me to get out and ride when you can. Follow Katie : @the_exhausted_cyclist on Instagram , @KaTiE_lOvE_ on Twitter You can check out Katie's blogs here: Katie's Website Take away's from the episode:The fortitude of humans is incredible. When you are healthy you are free. Bikes allow you to blend in with the crowd, they allow you to just be you, you are not what holds you back when you are on a bike, you are free. This offers the best escapism from reality which is often needed when you are dealing with everything life throws at you.  The thought processes around juggling your energy are exhausting, it is not only the 'obvious' that affects people with health conditions, the mind game is by far the biggest battle and so draining. Useful Links:You can read a blog about Katie where she talks about life for Rider Resilience Katie Love - A Love Story — Rider ResilienceTo find out more about Ehlers danlos syndrome (EDS) check out: What is EDS? - The Ehlers Danlos SocietyTo find out more about thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) check out:  Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, TreatmentTo find out more about dysautonomia check out: Dysautonomia International:If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast at https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/   for news on group rides and social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://www.girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/girls-on-wheels-4953647 and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app too so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

Pod introBikes don't just give you all the feels when you are riding them, the whole world you enter into when you get hooked is just as beneficial.  Hear a prime example of this from Emma, the guest in today’s pod.  Em has been crowned the ultimate hype queen by the MTB community, boosting everyone’s confidence and passing on her infectious energy and love for the sport to everyone she rides with.   Em shares with us how bikes have helped her overcome her obstacles in managing a stammer and constantly push her out of her comfort zone and thrive.   The Guest: Paramedic by trade but in my spare time I’m Trek Bath ‘s Ambassador and Women’s Advocate, trying to encourage and support more people to get into mountain biking and cycling! I just love bikes , hanging out and meeting cool people and bringing those top vibes! Follow Em and keep informed about upcoming social rides:@emmapursall on Instagram , Em (Emma)'s Facebook group Take away's from the episode: Bikes give you this whole world both on and off the saddle to push you in so many ways, they open up opportunities to do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do.  Secondary bike hype is REAL and just the best. Nothing better than someone cheer leading you from the side of a trail to make you clear that feature. We love bikes.Useful Links:If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook http://bit.ly/3mLKkV4Trail Birds, a Midlands based group with members all over http://bit.ly/3JGIpdr Cycle Sistas are based in Essex https://bit.ly/3TidzLnGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular MTB rides in Surrey- http://bit.ly/3Tq4Eb2Dame Cycling Forest of Dean are a womens MTB group who hold regular weekly rides for all abilities around beautiful FOD.  http://bit.ly/3TmuNYiGet following GOW podcast at https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/   for news on group rides and social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://www.girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/girls-on-wheels-4953647 and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app too so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

Today’s podcast is a very special episode with the most beautiful, courageous, heavenly human Janine.   Janine trusted me to listen to her experiences about being a black woman and what life is like for her and the everyday racism she experiences and the impact this has on her. We also speak about the barriers that exist for black people and other persons of colour to join a sport they are not represented in. Janine and I were chatting after a recent bike event we both went to where she admitted that despite being surrounded by women, she walked away with a sense of feeling alone as she was the only black woman there and asked herself why?We hope that by having these conversations, regardless of how difficult people may find them, will create a catalyst for change and encourage people to begin to take the small steps that will make a huge difference.  If there is anyone who would also like to share their experiences about being a person of colour in mountain biking please get in touch.  Janine and I plan to continue these episodes and would love to get different perspectives. Please get in touch with either of us via DM's.  The Guest: Having always had a deep love of bikes which stemmed from BMX and now MTB, Janine lives in North Devon with her husband, two daughters, a dog and a cat. She jumped back into her passion of riding bikes wholeheartedly in the summer of 2021 and has been frequenting bike parks and trail centres as much as possible since then. She is happy to attack all kinds of trails but her heart lies with air time on flow and jump lines. With wishing she had more confidence when younger to do more within the BMX scene that she grew up immersed in, she has found now that fear has left the building and demonstrates a serious ‘it’s now or never’ attitude to her riding.   In being one of the few ‘socially visible’ women of colour riding MTB it is her aim to inspire and show members of minority groups what could be possible and is actively looking for ways to make trail and park riding more accessible to these communities. She is taking part in the Girls On Wheels podcasts to help raise awareness and open the conversation up further to the barriers people of colour and women face in entering the sport. She is on the committee of a brand new bike park currently being built in North Devon and is enjoying spending time with the team in going through all the necessary motions of making it happen from taking on the licence with others for the use of private woodland for the park to council engagement, planning, membership recruitment, secretarial duties and trail building. Janine believes that the best results in any pursuit are achieved when they are truly driven by the heart and soul and this is the exact place that she lives from with all things MTB related. Follow Janine : Janine 's Facebook page , @janine_ngaio on Instagram Take away's from the episode:Be Anti-Racist. Be an ally. Support those who are doing amazing work in this area. Diversify what you consume.Action over inaction.  Take the time to educate yourself on this subject. There is a link to an account with a highlight reel called BLM containing accounts to follow on social media below; they provide information, education and further reading on being Anti-Racist, white privilege, racism. Don’t assume the reaction of a victim of racism is a true representation of how they feel. Be an ally to that person and step forward and challenge those involved.   You can not be what you can not see. Equality is the first step. Equity goes further and is what is needed.Useful Links:Article on Equity and Equality - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/EquityEquality https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurenmahon/ - Click on her highlight 'BLM' for so many good resources and accounts to follow.  This was where I started so I am sharing it. Check out the guide to white privilege on the highlight too. Other accounts to look up on instagram : Rachel Cargle, Gina Martin, Stand for humanity.About Race Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/about-race-with-reni-eddo-lodge/id1353151856?fbclid=PAAaae9BDyOaLPBfva4NGN7MRhOw6gX4U4z4mpZJZiYYzf5WwQXluxWZ0IH6cRecommended books: Why I am no longer talking to white people about race: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longer-Talking-White-People-About/dp/1408870584 The Mixed Race Experience by Naomi and Natalie Evans: https://amzn.eu/d/cxvOjNX This is a wonderful book from a mixed race British viewpoint. ------------------------If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast at https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/   for news on group rides and social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://www.girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/girls-on-wheels-4953647 and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app too so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

Pod introToday I talk with Rich from Western Bike Events, a new MTB enduro series set in South Wales for 2023.  We talk about how he set up this series and get an insight into the amount of work that goes into it.   Rich wants to get more women to sign up to his enduro and we have an open chat about the barriers women can experience when thinking about entering races and all the awesome things Rich is doing to combat them. We also discuss the complete lack of representation from people of colour in the sport.  This is a conversation I will be having in a lot more depth in future episodes, led by the wonderful Janine. We get Rich’s perspective on the constraints a race organiser experiences in implementing the solutions we think would be really easy and he removes a lot of blind spots. It is a longer episode than usual however it is bursting with value so well worth a listen.If you are a race or event organiser, have a female in your life who rides bikes, or work for a MTB brand and want to reach more people of colour and female riders with your marketing then this episode is for you.  I learnt so much from it.  Check out the written Q&A and the end of the show notes. Rich gave in depth answers to the audience questions that were submitted on social media. Absolute GOLD.The Guest: Richard is a mountain bike enduro event organiser who’s responsible for Western Bike Events Ltd, a company which he owns equally with his wife, Sara. For his first year he’s focussed on delivering an enduro series across South Wales, the Valleys Enduro Series. The VES is a mixed series where the women’s categories are the same as the mens categories equally. He plans to grow the series and diversify his events. Originally from Cumbria where his love of mountains and interest in the outdoors was sparked from an early age. He’s owned a mountain bike in one form or another for most of his life; however, it wasn't until 2006 that the mtb bug finally bit hard. He’s married to Sara and has two children. You can follow him: Richard 's Facebook group , Richard 's Facebook page , @Western-bike-events on Instagram.Take away's from the episode:“You can not be what you can not see”.   There are barely any ‘everyday’ female rider photographs to use in promo for racing and even less representing people of colour. Rich is open to chats with anyone who would like to provide some decent action bike photos from these underrepresented groups.Although we think the solutions to the barriers we discuss are straightforward, there is more to it when making things a reality;  practical, logistical and financial constraints all play a part.  It is always worth considering this. Rich spoke about barely seeing any women come forward for dig days.  He would love to see this change. We love bikes.Useful Links:Check out Rich’s race series https://www.western-bike-events.wales/ If you fancy joining in some races to get connected and try something new you can check out British Cycling events page for upcoming mountain bike races https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events?zuv_bc_discipline_filter_id=7 and also check out Si entries https://www.sientries.co.uk/ If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast at https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/   for news on group rides and social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://www.girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/girls-on-wheels-4953647 and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app too so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome women's MTB clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa. Q&A answered by RichLAND / STARTING IT UPHow did you get the private land to hold races on?I had no network or contacts to start with. This resulted in loads of mind mapping and brainstorming. Regularly trying out search terms on google and following up leads. Weighing up pros and cons  using a weighted scoring matrix: is it accessible? Easy to get to? NRW land or no? Council land or no? Price?. We then arranged these into a priority list and followed up. What happens to the trails once the series is over?  Are they permanent trails or only for the Enduro?Some trails cannot be used outside of an event. Walters Arena is a dangerous place where high speed rally car testing happens through the week and regular off road events happen on the weekend, this would need booking to arrange. On the other hand, the farmer at Taff Buggy is open minded and will allow access if people get in touch with him first.The two races at Afan are trail centre only, you can ride these at any time of the year, just check with NRW if there are any diversions.What was the biggest challenge getting started when you had the land? Remaining disciplined to keep building. I’ve spent every weekend and some weeks trail building long after my motivation had gone. So, keeping the vision and staying disciplined in keeping on track with the build.How did you manage the difficult stage of paying for planning vs getting funding, (classic chicken and egg scenario) you often can’t do one without the other, how did you overcome this?Walking a delicate line of funding. This year we have had no financial sponsorship. We’re always watching entries vs purchases vs operating costs. Don’t underestimate how much it costs to travel!What made you want to start it?I just want to get more people racing and enjoying the thrill of being between the tape. Racing is good because it makes us train, we form social groups and can be a great mental health release. Plus, I want to offer kids racing for free in the future and offer ambassador opportunities.What is your favourite thing / worst thing about running it? Hearing how stoked people are to ride / honestly, I am scared that people are going to turn their noses up and not race anymore.What tips would you give others that are thinking of starting their own MTB race series?Get in touch with a British Enduro Mountain Bike Association (BEMBA) affiliated organiser (like me). Shadow the organiser at a couple of events, learn how much admin and planning in the background is needed. Understand how to write a risk assessment and what forms your operating envelope. Understand your duty of care.The racing / businessHow are you planning to run it?  As a club, CIC, anything else? We’re set up as a registered company in England and Wales. Company registration number 14399528.Accessibility What are your plans for truly making it accessible to all?  What do you think that entails and how will that actually benefit all?I think it comes down to Equality and Diversity, the law.Equality means we make reasonable adjustments to include people with protected characteristics. Inherently, cycling is a middle class white passtime and this needs to change. I am aware we need more people of colour in our promo but hard to find photo’s on roots and rain. I’m open to working with people of colour so please get in touch. You cannot be what you cannot see! I see diversity as using promo material and inclusive language to make women feel more included. Plus, I think this falls on the previous point about people of colour in cycling, we need more basically. How do we do that? Admittedly it is easy to find a willing white volunteer willing to dig; I now understand it’s going to need me and Sara reaching out to a more diverse audience.For example, we’ve made reasonable adjustments with equal categories to women and men. Which means a woman in her 60’s can compete against other women in a similar age bracket. Same goes for prizes, if I get a category sponsor I tell them we’re doing things equally so the same prizes for men and women. Although money is not a protected characteristic, we’ve also run an extensive early bird offer for the last 6 months with some really cheap entry rates, to allow people from low income backgrounds the opportunity to take part.For disabled racing we need to sit down with disabled athletes and get them in to test our tracks. If it works then hell yeh, lets get more disabled folk in. What is your intention with social media and marketing?  Are you conscious of who is going in your promo material?  Women, ages, People of colour? We try to keep it 50/50 however trying to find pictures of your everyday woman on a mtb at a race is tricky. We’re hopeful this will change after round 1 where we have 37 women signed up. Going through previous photos on roots and rain, kinda reflects the low participation in past history, which is a shame. Not just for women by the way but also people of colour.What are you doing to encourage more women to enter? Have you considered how you will get more people of colour to enter?This podcast! We’re using open and inclusive language for example; not referring to a vest or sleeveless top as wife beater. We hold back entries for women, so if we do sell out we can offer entries. Women only portaloo. A stretch goal is to offer free racing for children in the future.People of colour, we need more of you racing so I can use your wonderful photos in my promo. If you want to help promote then get in touchWhat is the female to male ratio in race entries so far?Really low, R1 10% R2 2% R3 1% the rest according to the stats have no women signed upDo you have appropriate age categories for females U18, or are they going in one big group? As this is unfair on younger riders and puts off girls from entering.We’ve split this one up, there's no way a 11 yo girl is the same biologically as a 17yo, right? Will there be female only toilets? Going by the ratios we will have 1 specifically for women accessible with a combination lock. We also have a disabled and baby changer porta loo.What steps are you taking to be inclusive to all women, younger riders, people of colour, what makes you different in comparison to other race organisers?Equal cats, sensitive to language, female only toilet on event hq, roughly 50/50 split of women in promo, tried to get events close to places where perhaps the non riding partner can visit.Could we do better, always, are we thinking about doing more? Absolutely.Counter intuitive but there are other well established organisers doing a lot more for women. Southern Enduro and PMBA both do a great job. Also tweedlove are making changes.Would you be willing to have a feedback form after events asking what went well, what didn’t go well together views and be proactive?  This has never happened before and people usually get told to email in.  100% feedback is a gift.Have you considered having an inclusivity policy and a women's rep, people of colour rep to share the views? There’s two directors in Western Bike Events, Sara my wife is in the background doing all the heavy lifting with logistics. So, we both bounce ideas off of each other and discuss what is reasonable and what's unreasonable.We both come from the Army Sara had 15 years experience as a Combat Medical Technician and I’m an engineering manager. We’re both in tune with D&I however, let's hear from other viewpoints, let's make sure we’re not forming biases.THE EVENTHow can people get involved and volunteer?Email on us info@western-bike-events.wales or check out our website.Where is south wales is it?We have 6 events across South Wales, for a quick reference we have a map at the bottom of our website homepage.Can you offer suggestions of campsites and accommodation for those travelling from afar?  We have free camping at all of our events. Because things like air bnb and pitch up are so good, we will leave that to participants to search for their requirements.

Today Murray and myself laugh our way through our cancer chaos and share insights into what life is like during and after a diagnosis.  I think we mention mountain biking at some point.It goes deep but it is light hearted, a mini delve into the world of the Big C.Towards the end we talk about Murray's perspective on girls in mountain biking and he will reassure you, most guys are stoked to see females on the trails and want to do what they can to make us feel at ease.   The Guest: Grew up in Dunstable and started to ride more seriously once I’d left school for a few years. Did some nationals races with my friend and sucked. Did kickboxing and played drums in a band for ages. In 2013 I started riding again but then had an emergency op to remove a brain tumour. Successful op but had to take steroids (put on tonnes of weight) then travel every day to Addenbrookes hospital for 6 weeks. Also had 6 months of optional chemo and then couldn’t drive for two years after the end of my treatment. Took a while to get myself back in order but have been riding and racing since getting myself back to a decent bit of health. Up and down since but making it work! You can follow Murray and give him a shout if you want a tour guide at Woburn or Twisted Oaks. Murray's Facebook page @murrayrawson85 on Instagram Take away's from the episode:Steroids make you STARVINGGroups of guys may look intimidating when you arrive at a trail but the majority of them are good guys who will do what they can to help you out and make you feel at ease. We love bikes.Useful Links:If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/  for news on group rides social events.      The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa. 

Today I chat with Suzy Lacey about her awesome bike adventures and achievements over the last 18 years. Suzy has raced downhill world cups, 4x champs, Crankworx and hits humongous jumps to name a few.  She has watched the mountain bike scene change over the years and seen more and more progression in female riders entering the sport.    Suzy shares advice on how to progress your riding, lets us in on the secret to her jumping success, reveals what still scares her on her bike and talks about how bikes are such a huge part of her life, she isn’t sure where she would be without them.Her passion and love of bikes shines through and she will get you reaching for that hardtail and heading to your nearest pump track quicker than you can say cased it.    The Guest: I have been riding bikes since I was 12 so around 18 years. I have raced multiple disciplines from 4-cross racing, BMX, downhill racing and now do the odd enduro race for fun and for the social side of it. After racing 10 years or so I realised i wasn’t enjoying biking anymore as the serious side and pressure took the joy away. It took me sometime to find out why I picked up a bike as a little girl before I raced. After reflecting i realised that biking saved my life, helped me get through so many bad times and was a release for me as a kid and is still now. I’m a supported rider for whyte bikes, feel super grateful to have their support and now I ride bikes to have fun for my mental health, to socialise, I love jumping big jumps, helping my friends and fellow riders conquer their jumping goals. I love to inspire both men and women, both young and old at all levels to pick up their bike, go out the woods and have fun! I try to portray this by using my social media. You can watch Suzy in awe on YouTube and follow on insta: Suzanne (aka suzy) on YouTube @Suzanne_Lacey on Instagram Take away's from the episode:Practice, consistency and patience are what you need to master jumping your bike.  Zero fear and a MASSIVE pair of big girl pants would also not go amiss. No matter how good you are on a bike, there is always something that scares you and always something you can learn.  We are all human after all.Knowing when to walk around a feature is just as important as pushing yourself to try it.  Listen to yourself, don’t risk it for a biscuit if you are not feeling it. We love bikes.Useful Links:If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/  for news on group rides social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa. 

Today I am joined my Lib a pink obsessed mountain bike chick who got into the sport 2 years ago and is documenting her mtb progress on instagram, showcasing the highs and lows of progressing her riding.  We chat about what it was like for Lib to build up a network of riding buddies after her relationship ended and how signing up to grass roots downhill races was pivotal in building her confidence, meeting friends and feeling accomplished.  Lib isn’t in it for the podiums and we talk about the benefits of racing just for yourself. If you are reading this and are new to the sport, or want to give racing a go, this podcast is for you.    The Guest: I started mountain biking around 2 years ago, I didn't love it at first but as soon as I got a sniff of downhill I was hooked. You will find me in some sort of pink with my little pony hair swishing around. You can follow Libs riding here @lib_mtb on Instagram Take away's from the episode:Entering a race series or individual races gives you a sense of purpose, a ready made group of supportive women and that warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment. You don’t have to be in it to win it with racing.  Have a go, see what happens.We love bikes.Useful Links:If you fancy joining in some races to get connected and try something new check out a few of the options below (you can find them all on British Cycling too and search within your area): Miji downhill https://www.facebook.com/mij.downhill/ Mini downhill http://www.minidownhill.com/ b1ke series https://www.b1ke.com/racing/ Stile Cop in Cannock also hold DH races through the Racers Guild and you can find them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/49035601311/?locale=en_GBCheck out the podcast with Tess Cakebread Brown about racing.  There are links to other races in the show notes for the episode.Check out British Cycling events page for upcoming mountain bike races https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events?zuv_bc_discipline_filter_id=7 and Si entries https://www.sientries.co.uk/ If you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/  Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.  Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=enGirls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBGet following GOW podcast https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/  for news on group rides social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode.Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl.  Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/ Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa. 

What is it really like to be a female in this mountain bike world?  Find out Zoe's perspective, a working mum who loves her bike, has a young daughter who races mtb and is part of a female charity empowering more women to get outdoors.   Zoe gives a broad view of her experiences and shares her knowledge and passion around closing the gender gap in our beloved sport.Today I have a great chat with Zoe Woodman about a whole array of things that come up as a female in the mountain biking world.  Zoe gives her insightful perspective as an “everyday” mountain biker and mum of a young daughter who races mtb. There is so much gold in this podcast for brands, event and race organisers, British Cycling and guys out there who want to understand a female perspective of our shared passion and take some action to create change.   We chat about Project Evolve and other events that are doing great things to get more women into the sport including the charity Zoe volunteers for; Girls Alive.  A womens biking club based in Surrey.   The Guest: Zoe is a keen mountain biker and so is her family. Luckily they all love bikes. Mai, Zoe's daughter is pretty damn good on a bike and is entering races. Zoe is also a big part of Girls Alive, an active female group empowering women to get outdoors and change their life.You can follow Zoe and her families mountain bike life on Insta or youtube.@Woodmanmtb on Instagram Zoe on YouTube Take away's from the episode:There is a chaperone policy for under 16 year olds at races where an adult can accompany them on the tracks and follow them down.  Perfect for enduros where younger riders take part or any race where the rider is worried.  There are a million small changes and positive action and intention that can be followed to create a shift and change in the gender differences in the mountain bike world.  This will take time but it requires everyone to take action.    You have to follow Aneela McKenna. Aneela is chair of British Cycling diversity and inclusivity advisory group and is doing amazing things in the mtb world. https://www.instagram.com/mrsgowherescotland/We love bikes.Useful Links:You can check out Girls Alive on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GBIf you want to get out on your bike and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups.  They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships.  MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/ and Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/ and get following GOW podcast @girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee @_shredlikeagirl for news on social events.  The Pod:Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.  If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser and the app you listen on.  It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode.Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.