There seems no end of women only races and events
Are you actually being serious, our have you checked?
There are no major organised anti-female barriers in the sport that I am aware of
Why don’t you try to make yourself aware of them then?
Look, pressure on young women is immense, to be thin, to be pretty, to be ‘good’ and ‘worthy’. Sport for a lot, no most girls is just out of the question, for loads of reasons, not wanting to look like a tomboy, getting “ugly and muscley”, being sweaty, dirty or just the fact that is not “for us” from disinterest from shops (getting better) and well meaning blokes helping us fix our bikes
Most of the advertising is based around danger and adrenaline, speed, and unwritten is that is “For Real Men Only”
Even going to a trail centre is sometimes a real pain, lost count of the times I’ve been tutted at (mostly on the ups) and I can remember maybe one or two blokes who’ve been genuinely encouraging and supportive.
I know a lot of this stuff is done to women by ourselves, and we’re sometimes our own enemies, but some of us are trying OK? maybe instead of all the “why all this stuff for girls” just a simple shout of “GO GIRL” next next time you see one on the trail? would make us feel a bit more welcome?