This is an interesting thread. There are definitely differences between men and women on the trails. I find my abilities vary with the, ahem, time of the month hugely, so I have to plan my riding around that - it's frustrating as hell to be limited physically and mentally in that way. Sometimes I'll be able to throw myself down/off pretty much anything, other times I can barely stay upright on a fire road.
But I need the drive I get from having to work really really hard to keep up with the guys, both technically and physically. I'm not sure I would put anywhere near the effort in if I was in a relaxed female only environment!
Oh - I don't know - a female-only ride doesn't [i]have[/i] to be relaxed!
Riding in a male-only group is very different to riding in a female-only group. There is much more "ribbing" and generally knocking each other in the male-only group, when I've been out with only women there has been much less of that - almost none.
It might be that the ribbing leads to men generally taking greater risks and so on, to fit into the group. All that pack hierarchy nonsense. 🙂
Fascinates me, TBH
Rachel
Allthegear I was just thinking the same thing it fascinates me. I love riding with the blokes as I'm not particularly "girlie" anyway however on occasions it would be nice to have someone slightly closer to my skill level. As there is a big void between me and the boys so when we start a DH they are gone before I even have a chance to start pumping and chasing them and pushing myself. So I end up riding DH shouting at myself in my head "Ride harder, take a better line woman, keep pumping, bend your arms more, get your ass back" etc. So I just think it would be fun for a day to do something with a bunch of similar like minded women of a similar level. Hey I don't it's ever going to happen so I'll carry on dreaming. Bring on this weekend's riding.
Well, I'm not exactly a "traditional" girl, either!! 🙂
I think I'm going to sign up for the Women's Week Lucy has mentioned - sounds like fun...
I must admit, I'm about to sell my DH bike. I had a back injury last year and it has brought it to my sharp attention that I'll never ride hard enough to warrant 8inches of travel on any bike. TBH, though, I've used my 5 inch FS bike out in Morzine and I don't think I was any slower. The only things holding me back are in my head, not on my bike...
If you ever ride up in the Dark Peak or the Dales, let me know - I may be around...
Rachel
Just saw this elsewhere and it just about sums up why guys seem to ride differently to girls...
Testosterone - making men do stupid things since 3,000,000BC...
Rachel
I got my girlfriend a course with Mike @
http://www.mountainbikeskills.co.uk/.
She said it was a wicked tailored course to suit her specific requirements, its brought her riding on so much.
not a plug, just some good feedback.
Just out of interest, do all the female riders on here experience any other differences between the two sexes?
For example, I'll ride at quite a slow consistant pace to the chaps but can go on and on and on riding.
Whereas they'll blast down trails and ride up quite quickly (even technical stuff) but then need a good rest inbetween.
HA ha Bunnyhop that is EXACTLY how a lot of the boys ride .. not all of them though. But usually I'm at the back on the ups with the boys get to the top and carry on, they are like "don't you need a rest"..mmm "no". Oh the testosterone on occasions (but not all the time) some boys really don't like it if you go in front of them on a DH AND are quicker than them 😉
That's down to the different proportions of fast twitch* muscle and smooth muscle in male and female bodies. Women have more smooth muscle that isn't as powerful but lasts longer. It also doesn't look quite so 'blocky' on your arms etc.
*Sorry to the medics on here - I can't remember the proper names.
Rachel
So how was peoples riding? Survived a 45 miler off road it was awesome just shame sun wasn't shining and I actively thought about jumping as I approached stuff not sure I got any better mind 😉 shattered now mind!!!
29 miles tomorrow in The Dales with some big hills - I expect I will be chasing the boys for most of it but they don't mind and I'm perfectly okay with that too.
lifts are still open here ( apparently for skiing)until the weekend so feel a little lazy not doing crazy peddling routes yet. I have been out some epic rides though. Just been exploring and finding loads of new routes in the area. Found some pretty technical stuff but most trails have also got huge sections lovely flowing single track. Nice one on the rides ladies...post some pics if you have them!
This thread is in danger of stereotyping men. Physical timidity is not gender specific. There are more examples contradicting the male/female stereotypes than I care to mention.
Buzz I think you will find most people here are talking from experience and are not making sweeping generalizations that can't be backed up.