And the pictures for our last Ride Like a Girl...

Patty, Janalyn, Jessica and Kendra before getting started

Jen and Patty

Jolene

Janalyn

Jessica

Tiffany

Patty

We had a slight change of plans. It was suggested that we ride South Fork instead of just at Timp Park. It seemed like a good idea. I knew that some people were just meeting us at Timp Park though. On the way up, I swung by and let them know the change of plans. Everyone seemed really open and flexible--thank you. As we drove up, it was obvious that autumn was in the air. The leaves were beginning to change and the temperatures were cool. As everyone (Kendra, Jolene, Jen, Janalyn, Jess, Tiffany, Patty, and myself) got ready, we worked on unweighting, bunny hops and circles.
The pace was good climbing. We had a pretty strong group and no big issues. Sure there was some seat adjusting and a broken chain, but nothing we could not overcome. This brings an idea to mind, maybe we do another Ride Like a Girl, but do it indoors. We could work on bike set up and basic maintenance...hands on sort of stuff. Anyway, it just came to me--if you would be interested leave a comment. Otherwise, this was the last Ride Like a Girl for the year. There is still great riding to be had, but it is difficult to schedule it in with daylight fleeting earlier and earlier.
I had a really good time running it and hopefully those who joined me felt it was worth it. I am planning on doing this again next year. So start looking for info in March.

Pictures to come...I am just having some technical difficulties right now.

Okay we are going to meet on Thursday at 5 and will leave Mad Dog by around 5:15 and probably just ride up Provo Canyon. We just don't really have time to meet and really go very far. We will have to have Lambert on the schedule for next year when there is tons of light.
If 5 is a bit too early for you, let me know and we can arrange to meet you at the trail head. So be in touch and see you on Thursday.

I am still planning doing the ride in two weeks. Who is with me? September 18th is the plan. Sunset will be around 7:30, so we will probably need to meet early again. The exact time will depend on where we ride. Any suggestions? I have some ideas but am open to suggestions.

So the destination of last night's ride was Sundance Resort. Home of some pristine trails, Sundance is a great place to ride especially if you want to work on switchbacks. They have switchbacks a plenty and even as late in the season as it is they are still in good shape. Thanks to Czar for the hook up--it was so appreciated.

After meeting quickly at Mad Dog in Orem, Patty, her friends Kody and Noelle, Katarina, Jolene and Kendra joined me in a caravan to Sundance Resort. We got our bikes together met Heidi and headed to the lift. It is a long ride to the top, but I was able to sit with Heidi who is friendly and the ride did not seem so long.

Noelle

Katarina

Kody and me

At the top we were each handed our bikes. I gave some simple directions to get us to the switchbacks. There were some newbies so I wanted to be sure they took care on the loose gravel road. I had riding in that stuff. Then it was switchback bliss.

I was really impressed with the improvements as we slowly made our way down the mountain. I tried to give pointers to everyone based on what I percieved to be their ability. Just little things like riding smoothly and unweighting and what not.

I think a good time was had by all and hope everyone had an enjoyable worthwhile experience. I know some were disappointed that we did not climb that much which I totally understand. Next time though.

Initially, this endevour of mine--Ride Like a Girl--was to go from April to August. I am going to plan on September though if there is interest. So let me know. It will also obviously depend on the weather, but September and even the beginning of October is usually great for riding. The tentative date then will be September 18th. So look for updates around the 8th.

Thanks to Kendra for the photos!

I have been hinting about doing something special on Thursday August 21st. In order for it to be successful, we need to meet earlier than normal. I am thinking 5:00 pm at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem and we will roll out just a bit after 5. If you want to be a part of this special treat but that is too early for you, drop me a line and we will see about working something out. You may be able to meet us. I purposefully have not provided too many details because I want it to be a bit of a surprise. Trust me it is good. In my opinion, we are going to ride some of the best trails in the area.

I have to admit, I was initially a bit disappointed at the start of this month's ride. It was simply a numbers game. While only three girls showed up, it was exciting that this was the first time any of them had participated. Today though when I think about it, it dawned on me that maybe I am doing something wrong because no one came back. I am going to justify it to myself and say that they just got busy with life and summer. That makes me feel much better.

So this month with my three riders (Heidi, Brooke, and Tiffany) we hit South Fork. There was some variances in skill and experience so I felt this trail would be best--beautiful scenery, steady climbing with just a few steep pitches, and a rolling descent.

Heidi, Tiffany, and Brooke

Heidi and Brooke had obviously done some riding before. Tiffany was pretty knew. I think she said she had about 5 rides on her bike. What she lacked in experience she made up in determination. She also had some very innate skills. I was really impressed. Watch out because once she gets her fitness she will be a force to be reckoned with on the trails.

Tiffany trudging up the climb.

Brooke exuded a passion for riding. She had great fitness. She is a roadie, but I think she could easily be converted. We also lost her from the middle of the group. I felt terrible. She made an inconsequential wrong turn and ended up back at the cars. Luckily, she had told me that she was familiar with this trail, so I did not have a complete break down. I tried to play it cool and kept telling myself she would be fine and would be at the parking lot. Thank goodness.

Even with a rubbing brake, Brooke still climbed like no one's business.

Heidi was a dynamo. She had some great skills and fitness. She was a lot of fun. She was railing the descents and smiling the whole time.

Heidi looking forward to the up coming descent.

It was a great group. We had some mild issues, besides losing Brooke. Tiffany had some serious chain suck and it got lodged between her small chain ring and derailleur. I had to spend some time trying to pry it out. Luckily, I got it. Brooke's front wheel was getting some significant drag on her disc from the beginning. I have a theory on that now that I wish I would have had last night. I think her skewer hardware may have been on incorrectly. I knew it looked weird last night, but figured is was a set up I had not seen before. Now I wish Iwould have compared it to her back wheel to see if my initial thought was correct or not.

Hopefully, they each had a good experience and will come back.

Okay, so my super cool idea is going to be post poned until next month. Plans did not solidify until later than I hoped and I just don't have time to get the word out about meeting earlier, etc. You will definitely want to be part of this learning experience and I will tell a great story that goes with it.
We are still on for Thursday though. I don't have details on where we might be riding because I was going to curtail it to who shows up.
So join us or don't...no, join us!

6 pm at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem

So next month I have a super fun idea. I still need to work on the logistics, but if it happens be prepared for fun--serious fun. The only hint I am giving is SWITCHBACKS.

Stay posted.

Jen headed up this months ride and wrote a great review:

We had a fun group of women show up for the event. Patty, Jessika, Jill & I were back for another round and we were joined by some new riders, Diana and Andrea. Most of us met at the Mad Dog in Orem around 6 then carpooled up to the Big Springs trail head (aka South Fork) where we hooked up with Jessika who was waiting for us.
While she was waiting she ran into a couple Mad Dog riders who had just finished a couple loops who warned us about all the caterpillars that were hanging out in the trees that drop down right into the trail and end up covering you with webby, silky thread. I guess they must have cleared the trail for us because it wasn't that bad when we started riding.
We did a little warm up in the parking lot and got started on a climb up the trail. It was absolutely perfect because the weather was a little cool, so it felt good on the uphill. Everyone did really well climbing up the trail and we all enjoyed how beautiful the scenery was with the meadows and the mossy stream. Once we got to the top, it was a ton of fun riding down. Diana put it best when she called it "magical". But I think she really likes the downhill. We only did one loop, but it was a great ride and everyone asked why we didn't do it more often.

Plan on joining us on June 19th. We will meet at Mad Dog Cycles in Orem by 6 pm and then head to South Fork (above Vivian Park). The trail should be in great shape. This is sure to turn into a favorite. See you there.

The May 15th ride was a good one. Jen, Kristy, Jeannie, Jessica, Patty, Jill, and I had a good time. I was really impressed with how each individual's confidence grew the longer we rode. We started off at Timpanogo's Park and worked on some skills. We practice sliding the rear wheel for turns and riding in a straight line. Then we headed up to the old race course. The first descent is pretty rocky and it transitions into a steep climb to where the loop begins.

Jeannie

Jessica

We climbed and climbed regrouping from time to time. Then we got to go down hill. I love this descent. I made sure I stopped the group before the loose descent towards the end. I am probably a little too cautious. Everyone attempted this. I was really impressed. We had zero casualties.

Join us next month--June 19th.