This one's for the ladies
by Paula Brook
Vancouver Sun March 13, 2003


Run a key-word search for "women's only" and you'll be awash in adventure, fitness, empowerment and good, clean, make-friends fun. Do a Google on "men's only" and welcome to the world of pedophiles and panty eaters.

What's up with this lopsided trend in gender / adventure? Why can't you find a men's-only mountain biking course when you need one? Where, for that matter, do you find a non-intimidating introduction to Pilates for guys who can't tilt their pelvis or even tell you where it is? don't men like to form special bonds in kayaks and canoes? More to the point, wouldn't they like to make money packaging programs for other men who do?

[Erin Murphy - Women's Only Mountain Biking]

"Men use their brawn and women use their brain," says Murphy, acknowledging the cliché while standing by it. "Women really want to learn a concept, and to use everything they learn to make it happen." This translates into a longer, gentler learning curve as they take time to master each step, progressing at a pace that minimizes painful mistakes.

Incorporated in 2001, Murphy puts up to 2000 cyclist through her program each year, with 20 instructors running classes in dozens of locations across the Lower Mainland.

Safety is number one, she says. Friendship in number two: "Women meet other women with similar backgrounds who have similar work schedules and ride at similar levels, and they're out learning on the same trails." Technique, support, empowerment and fun compete for number three.

"Do men even need courses? I'm not sure," says Murphy who tried offering a men's only class but killed it when it failed to draw more than a few male friends "dragged in" by her female students. "Men tend to want to just get in there and do it. Do they always know what they're doing? Not necessarily, but they learn from each other and usually do just great."

Besides, she adds, on the wild edge of the adventure market you don't have to advertise a course for men only. Mostly men show up and when the odd woman does she's likely to look around and quickly change her mind. "Women don't want to be in that environment - not as novice," says Murphy. "They don't get to play."