By Merrick Parnell EBS CONTRIBUTOR
The women of Big Sky will soon be able to hit some of the region’s best mountain bike trails with two programs this summer: the Lone Mountain Ladies Bike Clinic and the Women’s Bike Skills Series, both hosted by Big Sky Resort.
“The idea for the women’s specific events is to get more women on bikes riding together. Creating this inclusive environment of women supporting each other is so rad,” said Lexie Hendricks, bike program manager at Big Sky Resort.
Hendricks has been instructing women’s specific camps and clinics for eight years.
“Everyone has left a special impact on me, and I wanted to bring that to Big Sky three summers ago. As the program in Big Sky has continued to grow, I am thrilled that we can offer more to women interested in the sport,” Hendricks continued.
Throughout five Fridays, between 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. and beginning on July 12, female riders from the Bozeman and Big Sky area, as well as visitors from all over the country, will have a chance to learn or build on their skills and explore the offerings of the resort’s trails.
“The series is made for experienced and brand-new riders just getting started in mountain biking. The series will be geared towards what the women want to learn and practice,” said Hendricks.
The Women’s Skills Series began three summers ago to welcome more women to the sport. It covers basic bike maintenance, such has regular checks and fixing flat tires; fundamental techniques, such as body positioning, braking and balance; advanced maneuvers, like cornering, switchbacks and speed management; terrain negotiation, like line choice, berms and roll downs; and more dynamic skills like jumping, bunny hops, drops and technical descending down the resort’s more challenging terrain.
Clinics cost $10 per session. Mountain bike and bike haul tickets are not included, but discounted lift tickets, and rentals are available for clinic registrants. Organizers also recommend wearing a full-face helmet.
Lone Mountain Ladies Bike Clinic
In addition to the Women’s Bike Skills Series, Big Sky Resort offers another mountain bike program for the first time this summer. In its inaugural year, the Lone Mountain Ladies Bike Clinic will allow female bikers to “level up” with this clinic on Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28.
“All women mountain bikers can benefit from this bike camp. Ladies who are beginner bikers are welcome, as are those looking to improve their technical riding skills at a high level. Groups will be organized by ability level,” said Hendricks.
According to organizers, the two-day bike camp experience offers smaller group sizes, more one-on-one time with coaches, and better group splits with improved coach-to-student ratios.
During the camp riders will develop their skills in body positioning and balance, braking, cornering and berms, technical descending, jumping, drops and most important—confidence.
