The weekend of September 21st sees the return of “Ride Like a Grrl” to Strathspey. The women-only mountain biking event is being hosted by Lagganlia Outdoor Centre in Feshie Bridge and features two routes – the Epic and the Adventure – distinguished from each other by their overall length, amount of climbing and difficulty of trail but both traversing some of the most beautiful areas of the Cairngorms National Park on a range of sustainable paths and single-track.
Promising to be bigger and better than last years’ inaugural event, Lagganlia will open up their facilities and accommodation for a weekend of biking, socializing, cake-eating, and a ceilidh. Friends of Lagganlia – a charity that raises money to help young people come to the centre who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it – are providing the catering throughout the day from early morning breakfast rolls to post ride sustenance.
Ride Like a Grrl is the brainchild of Petal Power Biking, a women’s mountain biking club based in Strathspey but with members hailing from as far and wide as Aberdeen to Fort William.
Bridget Trussell, the Chairperson said, “We knew that women were looking for opportunities to meet and ride with other women – but we had no idea just how many! We are already have 80 members in less than six months and are hoping to hit the centenary before Ride like a Grrl”
Katrina Brown, the Club Treasurer added, “Last year we had a huge range of women riding the event in terms of age, experience, and fitness. Many women bought their partners and kids along and this year there will be a “Dirt Crit” kids biking event at Lagganlia on the Sunday. Make a weekend of it – there really is something for everyone”
Entries for Ride Like a Grrl close on Monday 9th September and can be done through the British Cycling Events web page. The event starts at 12 noon and the entrance fee is £35 (or £25 for members of Petal Power).
To find out more about Petal Power, visit www.petalpowerbiking.co.uk or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/petalpowerbiking.
