End of Season Party Recap!

The end of season party for the BMA Weekly Gurlz Rides was a roaring success! Thanks to all who came out to celebrate a wonderful year.

(photo cred Elizabeth Pike)

The highlight of the party was the raffle for swag provided by Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance (BMA), University Bicycles, Boulder Cycle Sport and Specialized Bicycles. BMA also provided the party supplies and beverages. Thanks also go out to Oskars Blues, which provided the beer!

Here are some pics from the party. More can be found in a couple of albums in the gurlz ride Picasa website.

Boys were allowed to the party too - Mike Barrow from BMA showed up to hand out BMA "I Ride I Vote" stickers (photo cred Elizabeth Pike)

Look at all that SWAG!!! (photo cred Elizabeth Pike)

Laurie looking super pleased with her spiffy Specialized jersey!!! (photo cred Elizabeth Pike)

Megan and Nicole - true Gear Sluts!!!! (photo cred Elizabeth Pike)


We all love Boulder too Michelle!! (photo cred Elizabeth Pike)

See all of you in 2010!

End of Year Party October 1, 2009

PARTY!!

The 2009 BMA Gurlz Ride season has concluded. Let's get together without our helmets on to spend an evening celebrating a season of fantastic rides and friendship. We'll get to know each other better and reminisce about all the fun we had this year!

Husbands, SOs, BFs, dates and friends are encouraged. The party is at Jenifer and her boyfriend's house; the Kristeniewski Household. The Kristeniewski Household is not childproof, so unless you have a baby on your boob, we ask that you not bring little ones who are crawling, walking, running or otherwise mobile.

The Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance (BMA) will be providing beverages and swag. The Ride Leaders will take care of main dishes, so all you need to do is bring a side dish, salad or dessert and your best storied from this year's rides!

Please come out even if you couldn't make it to one of the rides this year - you'll meet fun women to ride with next year. Feel free to let us know about other women you think might be interested in participating in our Gurlz Only Rides and we'll invite them too!

You should have received an invitation from Socializer if you are on our mailing list. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email us at bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com.

Once you get the invitation, please RSVP as soon as possible. BMA needs a head count soon for the beverages and we wouldn't want to run out of beer!!!

Thanks and hope to see you on the 1st!

South Boulder Trails Recap

Twenty riders came out for our last ride of the season (even some new faces!). We didn't really see the colors of the sun setting that we had hoped for, but it was a beautiful, warm evening.

Thanks for a great season everyone. See you all at the party!

For more pictures, click here.

South Boulder Trails Thursday 9/10

Well, all good things eventually come to an end. We’ve had a fabulous time riding with many new faces this year and unfortunately, this Thursday's ride (September 10), is our last ride of the season. It will be an All Levels ride starting at the Flatirons Vista Trail Head south of Boulder. This trail head is located on Hwy 93 just past Hwy 128 on the right hand side of the highway (map). Depending on daylight and how many times we stop to take pictures of the sunset, we will ride up the Prairie Vista Trail to Doudy Draw and over to do a loop on Springbrook, If you have a bike light and/or a headlamp, please bring it with you as it can get dark quickly this time of year. I don’t anticipate staying out past dark, but having light devices just in case, is always a good idea. We may split into more than one group depending on skill and the number of ladies who come out. This ride is suitable for confident beginners. All obstacles can be safely walked. Please use the blog to arrange carpooling if desired.

Dinner and drinks will follow at a location tbd.

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike.
2. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.
3. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.
4. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.
5. Rides launch at 6:00 pm so be at the trail head by 5:45 pm, dressed and ready to roll by 6 pm.
6. If the weather is questionable (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 pm on Thursdays for updated info.
7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc.

Send us an email if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com

Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

Looking forward to seeing you Thursday!
liz

Betasso Thursday 9/3

This Thursday's ride (September 3) will be an All Levels ride at Betasso Preserve, starting at the West trail head of the Canyon Loop Trail. We will ride 2-3 loops, depending on daylight and motivation. We may split into more than one group depending on skill and the number of ladies who come out. This ride is suitable for confident beginners; it has some exposure and short rocky sections. All obstacles can be safely walked.

Please try to carpool! Parking is especially limited at this trailhead. To carpool, meet at Boulder County Justice Center at 6th and Canyon at 5:30 or meet at the trail head by 5:45 pm. We will start riding promptly at 6:00 pm. The "Link" trail is currently closed for pipeline reconstruction and I recommend against biking Boulder Canyon to the trailhead and back.

Dinner and drinks will follow at the Rio.

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike.
2. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.
   
3. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.
   
4. Rides launch at 6:00 pm so be at the trail head by 5:45 pm, dressed and ready to roll by 6 pm.
   
5. If the weather is questionable (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 pm on Thursdays for updated info.
   
6. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc.
   
   

Send us an email if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader @ gmail.com

Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

Hope to see you Thursday!

Elizabeth

Heil Ranch Recap

12 strong riders turned out for our last ride in August - a jaunt up and down Heil Ranch. We broke into two fairly well matched groups and rode up the Wapiti Trail. At the juncture of Ponderosa Trail, the first group headed up to make a loop on super fun Wild Turkey. I believe the second group rode up and back down on Ponderosa.

Most of the ladies regrouping at the Wapiti/Ponderosa Intersection (photo cred Jenifer)

Rachel and Liz getting ready to take off again (Photo cred Karen)

Another Rachel! (photo cred Karen)

Miraculously, both groups ended up at the bottom of the Wapiti Trail at the same time! Everyone looked like they had a great time! In fact, one gurl, who hadn't been on her mountain bike in years, could not stop proclaiming enthusiastically how much FUN she was having! The weather was perfect and we managed to make it up and down well before dark, although I had to stuff my sunglasses in my jog bra toward the bottom of the descent, as it was getting darker in the woods.

Please note - it's getting dark earlier and earlier every night, and therefore difficult to complete a ride without lights. Consequently, we will be hosting only two more rides this season - September 3rd and September 10th (more info soon). We'll celebrate a long season of fantastic riding with an end of year party TBA soon!

Heil Valley Ranch Ride Thursday August 27th

This Thursday's ride (August 27th) will be an Intermediate ride at Heil Ranch, starting at the main trail head off Left Hand Canyon and Greer Canyon Road. We will ride up the Wapiti Trail and then sample either the Ponderosa Trail or the Wild Turkey Trail before coming back down the Wapiti Trail. The trail is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders who are comfortable with chunky rocks and some climbing. We may split into more than one group depending on skill and the number of ladies who come out.

Please try to carpool! To carpool, meet at 28^th and Iris – SE corner next to Sol Azteca at 5:25 pm or meet at the trail head by 5:45 pm. We will start riding at 6:00 pm prompt.

Dinner and drinks will follow, probably at Sol Azteca (we'll be right there). Or, we can go somewhere else quicker like Tokyo Joe's or Larkburger (both on Arapahoe).

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike.
2. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.
   
3. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.
   
4. Rides launch at 6:00 pm so be at the trail head by 5:45 pm, dressed and ready to roll by 6 pm.
   
5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 pm on Thursdays for updated info.
   
6. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc.
   
   

Send us an email if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader @ gmail.com

Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

Hope to see you Thursday!
-Jenifer

Lyon's Bike Park Recap

Wow! what a night! We had a group of over 20 ladies working on technical skills with Lee McCormack!!

Lee, the lone man for the evening, dolling out instructional advice (photo cred Tracy Emmanuel)

Lee surrounded by over 20 very attentive women (photo cred Jamie Costa)

We worked on some basic, but very important, weight transfer technique on flat ground, then moved to braking and finally on to terrain pumping, with a little instruction on ascending and descending technical terrain.

Lee showing us how to lower our posteriors the right way (Photo cred Jenifer Kwasniewski)

All us gurlz lowering our hips the right way - Utkatasana-style (photo cred Jamie Costa)

Practicing proper fore and aft body position (photo cred Jenifer Kwasniewski)

Practicing braking at high speed (photo cred Jamie Costa)


We played on the rocks, incorporating proper body position, good arm position and braking (photo cred Jenifer Kwasniewski)

With Lee's insightful instruction all the ladies came away with added confidence as well as some great exercises to work on!

We finally concluded the evening's session when we started running out of daylight, even though we all wanted to go on! (photo cred Jenifer Kwasniewski)

If any of you ladies are interested in taking part in a smaller, more focused clinic with Lee, please email bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com, because we will be working with Lee to set up a series of technical sessions.

Click here for a whole lot more pics from the evening!

Aug. 20 - Skills Night at Lyons Bike Park with Lee McCormack!!

The last skills session at the Lyons Bike Park was such a good time, that we want to do it again, but this time, the master of the pump track will be on hand to give us some words of wisdom!!

We will be breaking the girls-only rule this week, because we have invited Lee McCormack, designer and builder of the Lyons Bike Park, to come out and join us for some pump track goodness! Lee is the co-author of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills and author of Welcome to Pump Track Nation. He offers private and group skills clinics for all types of riding styles. I can personally attest to his fantastic teaching style - he has a way of breaking down technique into progressional steps that make a lot of sense, and will improve your riding immediately! More information about Lee can be found here.

The session on Thursday will be FREE and open to ALL levels!! We will be working on pump track skills, which includes, but is not limited to, high-speed cornering, floating over terrain, and you'll learn how to build momentum without pedaling, allowing you to fly up climbs with less effort and generally pick up speed whenever you want. The beauty of a pump track is that beginners, intermediates, and experts can all be challenged, learn and realize something awesome.

Please try to carpool! To carpool, meet at 28^th and Iris – SE corner next to Sol Azteca at 5:15PM or meet at Sandstone Park by 5:45PM; we will ride over to the bike park together, as it is located out in the middle of a field, the location of which is difficult to describe. If you know where the bike park is, feel free to show up there ready to ride at 6PM. Click here for a map of the bike park; bike park located in the middle of the field west of the High School. Additional parking can be found in Lyons around Sandstone Park (between 3rd and 4th on Railroad Ave).

Dinner and drinks will follow at Oskar Blues in Lyons. We will be setting up a reservation for dinner, to try and minimize the wait time... PLEASE make a comment on the blog letting us know that you will be coming to the clinic and if you will be staying for dinner! THANKS!

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc.

Send us an eamil if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader @ gmail.com

Hope to see you Thursday!

-Tracy

August 13th Hall Ranch Recap

Ten strong riders turned out for the Hall Ranch/Bitterbrush Intermediate ride on August 13th.

One rider had to turn back after a close encounter with a cactus (ouch!), but the remaining 9 hammered up to the top and banged out a Nelson Loop. On the way up, we stopped to session a few tricky sections:

Tracy nailing the the steep Rock Nemesis (photo cred Liz)

Jen finding the right line to crank it up the Rock Nemesis (photo cred Liz)

Susan explaining "something" important (photo cred Liz)

It was cloudy and coolish for a change (although humid); nice temps to ride in and hardly any other people on the trial! More pics can be found here.

August 13th Intermediate Ride at Hall Ranch

This Thursday we are riding Hall Ranch, going up the Bitterbrush side. This is an intermediate to advanced ride. Next Thursday's ride, an outstanding clinic with the legendary Lee McCormack as instructor, will be suitable for beginners.

To carpool, meet at 28th and Iris – SE corner next to Sol Azteca at 5:15PM or meet at the Hall Ranch Bitterbrush trail head by 5:45PM, and ready to ride at 6PM. To get to the trail head, take 36 north from Boulder to Lyons, go through Lyons, take a left on U.S. 7; the trailhead is about 1.5 miles on your right (there is a second parking area up a little ways next to the bathrooms).

Dinner and drinks will follow at Oskar Blues.

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy, make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc. If you can not access the blog post, let us know you'll be there by emailing us at bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

Email me if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader @ gmail.com

Thanks - Jenifer

Switzerland Trail Recap

Even though nasty thunderstorms rolled through the Boulder area in the late afternoon, by ride time, the weather couldn't have been better for a nice ride on the Switzerland Trail. Only a few of the ladies made it out for the ride... but we had a great mellow ride with lots of good chit-chat.

Lori, Amy, Megan, Tracy

Beautiful views!

Even found some yummy treats along the way!

Beautiful dusk light.

And we followed it up with a quick, yummy dinner at Tokyo Joes.

Just a few more pics here.
Megan's pics here.

Aug 6 Ride - Switzerland Trail

This Thursday we are riding the Switzerland Trail, which is a great beginner trail! Even if you are an advanced rider, you will love the Switzerland trail's scenic aspen glades and mountain views. Not to mention, it will be a whole lot cooler up on the trail then down in town!

The Switzerland Trail, off of Sugarloaf Road, winds it's way through the forest along an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad bed. The trail is fairly smooth with some rocks to keep you paying attention, but is a gradual non-technical trail. We will ride out as far as we want and then return via the same route. If you are just starting to mountain bike this is the ride for you!!

To carpool, meet at the Justice Center in Boulder, 1777 6th St, Boulder, just off of Canyon. From there we will head up Canyon to Sugarloaf Rd. Be at the carpool spot around 5:05, we'll be leaving at 5:15.

To get to the trail head, turn right on Sugarloaf and climb approx 5 miles to Sugarloaf Mountain Road. Turn right and climb about 1 mile to a parking area at the junction of the Switzerland trail, at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Please try to carpool, because the parking area will fill quickly. It takes 25-30 minutes to get to the trailhead.

Dinner and drinks will follow at Tokyo Joes on Arapahoe.

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc. If you can not access the blog post, let us know you'll be there by emailing us at bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

Email me if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader @ gmail.com

-Tracy

July 30 Ride: Walker Ranch Trail - Boulder, CO

UPDATE: It's hard to say whether it has rained, it is raining, or it might rain later at Walker. Because it has rained so many other places on and off all day, I'm going to CANCEL today's ride. See you all next week!

Well ladies - the weather is not looking like it's on our side today. But, this is Colorado and it "could" change to be nice enough to ride later. Walker is one of the best trails to ride after it's been wet. There's enough granite that we won't damage the trail. So, stay tuned.......I'm not calling it off yet.


Our ride this week will take us back up to Walker Ranch. This trail is an intermediate/advanced, fun single track loop, with some technical sections, water crossings, down hills and climbs. Sunset this Thursday is at 8:15 pm, so we must move quickly and be done with this ride before 8:00 pm. It’s pertinent that you have done this ride before and know that you can finish it in less than two hours. To carpool, meet at the Basemar Shopping Center in South Boulder and be ready to go by 5:25 pm (at the latest), or meet us at the trail head by 5:45 pm. We will head out on our ride at 6:00 pm promptly.

To get to the trail head, take Baseline Road up Flagstaff Road, about 7.5 miles to Walker Ranch (on your left). Dinner will follow at Noodles Restaurant in Boulder on Baseline Road east of Hwy 36. Map

Important Info about the Rides:
1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc.

If you can not access the blog post, let us know you'll be there by emailing us at bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com.

See you on the ride!
....liz
Please email me if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com

Magnolia Ride Recap

16 girls showed up for a ride up in Nederland, CO on the Magnolia and Dots trails! Several new faces were included! The group was split into two, with 6 heading out with Megan and the other 10 with Tracy.

Tracy's group started out getting a little lost trying to make their way to the hobbit trails, but it was totally worth it for the trails they found. They worked their way around the hobbit trails and were even able to do a little out and back on the dot trails.

Megan's group explored the woop di do trail and liked it so much they reconnected with it and did it again. Everyone rode great and they even had a few minor scrapes and scratches to show off.

Everyone had a great ride, enjoyed the trails and made some new friends.


What a great group! Pre-ride photo.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Kelly making the climb.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Reconvening.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Susan smiling.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Lauren descending.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Darcy in the aspen.

From Magnolia BMA Ride

June riding fast!

From Magnolia BMA Ride

Click here for more photos.

July 23 Ride: Magnolia Trails, Nederland, CO

Gurlz-This week we'll make the worthwhile trek up to Nederland and ride the West Mag Trails from the Magnolia Trail parking lot. The trails are intermediate, flowy, fun single track, with some technical sections and climbs. The views are incredible and if you love aspen trees, you'll love this trail!

To carpool, meet at the Justice Center parking lot and be ready to go by 5:10 p.m. (at the latest) or meet at the trail head by 5:45 p.m.

To get to the trail head, take 119 south from Nederland for approx 3/4 miles to the trail head on the west side of the road. You can also follow Magnolia Rd, cross 119 and you are at the parking lot.

Dinner will follow at the Wild Mtn BBQ in Nederland. Delicious bbq (even for vegetarians) and beer.

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc. If you can not access the blog post, let us know you'll be there by emailing us at bmagrils.rideleader@gmail.com.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

Email me if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com

Hope to see you Thursday!

Megan

Doudy Draw/Springbrook Recap

Last night (July 16th) we had another large group of women come out to the ride!

The whole group, minus 3 late comers (photo cred Tracy)

This time, 26 women broke into 2 groups based on skill level to enjoy the rolling trails at Doudy Draw and Springbrook, starting at the Doudy Draw trail head.

Area we rode - click on image for a larger view

Tracy lead the more seasoned riders and I lead the other gurlz. The weather was perfect, albeit hot. Everyone was glad the ride offered a good portion of shaded trail!

We met up once or twice on the trail and then after the ride at Larkburger for some food and beers. Thanks to everyone for coming out!

Seasoned riders hanging out in the shade (photo cred Tracy)

Carla riding across a sunny meadow

Leah, Naomi and Melissa glad to have reached the top of Doudy Draw

June looking too freakin' cute (photo cred tracy)

Here are all of my pictures.

Here are Tracy's pics.

July 16th Gurlz Ride at Doudy Draw/Springbrook

This week's ride is a tour of the trails on the west side of Highway 93 in south Boulder. We will ride some of the newer trails in the Boulder system, including the Springbrook loop. This ride features swoopy fun trails with beautiful views of the Flatirons. The trail is beginner-friendly but fun for more seasoned riders. We will likely split into groups based on skill level, so beginners and more experienced riders alike are encouraged to come out - everyone will get a good ride in!

To carpool, meet at the Justice Center in Boulder, 1777 6th St, Boulder, just off of Canyon. From there we will head to the Doudy Draw trail head. Be at the carpool spot around 5:25, we'll be leaving for the trail head at 5:30. If you want to meet at the trail head, take Eldorado Springs Drive west off Highway 93. The Doudy Draw trail head is on the south side of the road (left) and please be there ready to ride by 6:00 sharp.

Dinner and drinks will follow at Larkburger at 2525 Arapahoe (near Zolos).

Important Info about the Rides:

1. All riders MUST wear a helmet, bring water, and have a trail-ready bike. Riders should also carry the usual basics: spare tube(s), a pump, tire levers, a chain tool, and basic allen wrenches.

2. All riders ride at their own risk, group leaders take no responsibility for rider safety/injury.

3. Riders must sign a liability waiver once during the season. If this is your first ride of the season, please bring a signed waiver with you or be prepared to complete one at the meeting spot.

4. Rides launch at 6:00 p.m. so be at the trail head by 5:45 p.m., dressed and ready to roll by 6 p.m.

5. If the weather is iffy (as it has been lately) make sure to check the blog after 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays for updated info.

6. Please don't be shy about coming out - all of us love biking and would like to hang out with girls that are interested in biking.

7. For permitting and planning purposes, please post your name in the comment field if you plan to join us. The comment field is also great for planning carpools, etc. If you can not access the blog post, let us know you'll be there by emailing us at bmagrils.rideleader@gmail.com.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

Email me if you have any questions – bmagirls.rideleader@gmail.com

Lyons Bike Park Recap

Yet another incredible Skills Clinic! Last night we had almost 25 women eager to learn to rail, execute high speed cornering and flow smoothly up and over obstacles on the Pump Track and other features at the Lyons Bike Park.

Look at all those gulrz, ready to rail!

We broke up into two groups based on skill level and each group had an opportunity to work on basic skills and then hit the pump track and the small dirt jumps.

Gurlz practicing Track Stands

Gurlz getting ready to hit the Pump Track (photo cred Elizabeth)

It seems like all the ladies LOVED the Pump Track!

Gurlz taking over the Pump Track!!! (photo cred Elizabeth)

Andria showing awesome Boobs to the Bar form! (photo cred Elizabeth)

Many riders finished up applying the skills on the rocky features that surround the Pump Track. Each rider improved as the night progressed and, as with last months' skills clinic, everyone left with a handful of drills and skills to work on that will improve her riding! I think the Lyons Pump Track will be seeing a lot more female riders!

Come on out to next week's Doudy Draw/Springbrook ride to apply those skills!

Thanks once again to all the participants and the instructors!

Wrapping it up under a beautiful sunset (photo cred Elizabeth)

More of Elizabeth's pics here: