All-Ladies Freeride Evening at Canada Olympic Park

I can still see the look on Dee’s face when she went over the last little drop at the end of the DH course! How does that Mastercard commercial go? That look = priceless! And YES I was watching because I was hoping she’d make it and she did nicely too!Well, a couple of interesting crashes off the flat-to-teeter-totter were the only mishaps of the entire evening. Everyone rode away with smiles on their faces it seemed – and maybe a couple of bruises? Bet you guys never knew one could get intimate with a tree! I’m very happy to say we had about 15 ladies show for the first all ladies freeride group ride at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. And what a blast! There was so much talent – lots of XC converts trying their hand at the trials park, dirt jumps (and hey, riding them is step one to jumping them), and the North Shore park in the woods. The best things about the North Shore bit is it’s made up of numerous trails all converging and intertwining. And, there is something for everyone – super skinny’s, teeter-totters, big and small drops, high and wides to steep descents, wide and low wooden structures almost anyone can ride – all great for developing skill, confidence, and of course that feeling of accomplishment.


The evening couldn’t have been better. I parked on the west side of the lot and of course no one else did. I panicked a little thinking “What if no one shows??” - well I would have gone for a ride anyhow. So, a couple of people ventured over when they saw me looking around and eventually a group formed at the doors of the lodge. Wow – I couldn’t believe so many women were so stoked to check this out! A short intro and we were off to the trials park. I’m not sure but I think everyone was a little nervous at this point. Everyone stayed on the side as a group for a few minutes and readjusted their saddle heights and talked a little but then we got rolling. I’m sure some had never considered riding these stunts before but hopefully were pleasantly surprised when they found out they could!! Again, the trials park is great as it has stunts for all ability levels. Not one person didn’t get up on something or fall off something or learn something about balance!

Next up – dirt jumping. OK this is a relatively new area, especially for women. I DJed with one of the world’s best at the Vancouver Outdoor show in February and it is tons of fun, and there’s always lots of new stuff to try. Check out this pic:

Hannah is from California and is slightly crazy I think


So we rolled the dirt jumps – everyone did! What made me laugh was all the guys sitting in the way while we didn’t hesitate. I don’t think too many chicks ever go there - it was as if bombarding the ‘guy zone’! So many guys sit there and watch but are ‘cool’ just ‘cause they saw the biggest hit of the day. My theory? If you’re not trying it, get out of the way. Off to the North Shore.

In the narrow wooded Shore trails we encountered some slatted wooden obstacles – I think most got up on these for at least one run. We split up a bit but did manage to meet at the bottom in the end. After a few drops, bridges, and teeter-totters, I finally found something almost everyone could try. It was somewhat intimidating as it was a slatted bridge, about 3 feet off the ground, wide enough though. And it went from flat to teeter-totter. The trick here? Keeping the front tire on the wood. For two not-so-lucky riders, their front wheel went off the side and they ended up hugging a tree with a bike wrapped around their waist. No serious injuries – a little surprise for the evening I think. I gave both dismounts a perfect 10. Here’s a pic:

rider: Kristy Frizzell, background comic: Zhiish MacKenzie, onlooker: Karie Hill


I promise to take TONS more photos to post next week. If you’re looking at this pic and you didn’t get out yet, and you’re feeling a little squeamish, don’t worry. Not everyone rode this nor did they have to. But those who did were pretty happy with themselves!

We hit the bottom of the DH course. I apologize for not warning you all of a couple of drops on the course. Everyone made it, and from what I could tell, were having heaps of fun. The course is more fun than scary and I’d really like to ride the whole thing next week if we have any takers. All drops have go-arounds and we can walk the super steep section if you like. One long run on the North Shore and after losing a few people to time constraints, we still had a core group of about 7 people for a second run. This was faster but we still made time to stop and try some other new stuff.

Anyone who didn’t make it out this past week, you’ve got to come out this coming! Don’t feel as though you’ve missed time in the saddle or you won’t be able to keep up! I’m sure the group will let you know they kept up just fine – this riding isn’t about speed as much as patience in trying something new. It’s not a lung workout, just a test of your abilities. Just an FYI – any pics I stick on Pinkbike are accessible through Photos on the home page. From there, check under “Girls in Action”. The Keyword photo search is up and running again so you can stick in your name if you’d like to see some pics of yourself (once I get some).

Hope to see you all out next week! Anyone else looking to join, drop me an email highlighting your ability levels and a quick comment on your bike if you’re not sure it’s COP worthy. I would love to get some feedback from the riders that attended – please drop me an email when you get a chance with any suggestions, comments, feedback of all types.

Send to [email protected]

Also, let me know who needs passes – I will try to get a group rate for next week.