Women gear up for off-road biking
By Lori Kittelberg

Kelli Paterson of Women's Only biking club: "We start (beginners) really slow, give them lots of time, lots of practice and lots of support." Photo: Doug Shanks

Has your bike been collecting dust in storage all winter? Perhaps you've relegated it to taking you to and from work while spending your free time on the slopes. Maybe it's been so long, you're not sure if you'll ever get back into off-road form.

Sally Carmichael, who lives and bikes in Vancouver, is a co-founder of Spokeswomen (www.spokeswomen.com), a company offering women's mountain biking camps in Whistler. If you haven't been on your bike for a while, Carmichael suggests starting with walking, then working up to speed-walking and running. Once you have that base, start cycling Stanley Park or another urban trail a couple times a week.

When you're ready, Carmichael suggests calling your gym or local bike shop for spinning classes, where you train with a stationary bike or a bike and wind trainer, a tripod-like contraption that holds your bike upright and creates resistance. Oh yeah, and bike butt? "Time in the saddle" is the best cure, says Carmichael. Second is seat height; be sure to lower your seat on bumpy trails. "If your body is rocking back and forth on it, you're creating a lot of chafing and pain." Ouch.

Now that you're inspired it's time to dust the cobwebs off that bike. How much work you'll need to do "depends on how it was put away in the fall. If you put it away after a wet muddy day, it'll be an expensive spring," says Carmichael. Make sure the drive train-chain and rings-are well-lubed, and check for rust. Next make sure the brake and gearshift cables aren't rusted. Then Carmichael suggests filling your tires to 40 psi and letting a little air out for a softer ride if you're planning on hitting a particularly bumpy trail.

Done. Next is gear. Your helmet is key. If you plan to hit the North Shore trails, particularly if you're a beginner, Carmichael suggests investing in a full-face helmet. They're lighter than ever and now easier to find for women. Arm and leg armour are recommended and if you're planning to go hardcore, consider full-body armour to protect your back and chest. Full-finger gloves will keep your hands warm and help your grip. Throw on some over-shorts for further protection and you're all set.

Looking for a group to train with? Vancouver Bicycle Club offers both mountain and road bike tours with varying levels of difficulty. VBC rides start at Escargot (easiest) and advance to Leisure (social rides), Medium (for experienced cyclists) and Fast (challenging rides for strong, fit cyclists). VBC offers a trail ride every Saturday, usually at UBC Endowment Lands or Stanley Park. See vbc.bc.ca or call 604 733-3964.

Women may want to consider a cycling course or club specifically for them. Women's Only beginners' and intermediate off-road courses start in April. Beginners' courses start with basics like changing gears, braking and getting your tire over a curb, says Women's Only owner Kelli Paterson. "We start really slow, give them lots of time, lots of practice and lots of support."

Women's Only also offers workshops on climbing and conditioning, bike maintenance, including emergency maintenance (repairing a hole in your tire or dealing with a broken chain in the wilderness), tricks and navigating logs. For info visit womensonly.com or call 604 922-4082.

There's also the Ladies Only Riding Club, run by John Henry Bikes in North Van, starting Tuesday, April 6. Call 604 986-5534 or visit www.johnhenrybikes.com for deets.

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