jondroke

@burnermtb: Can't speak for Molly, but from what I've learned after participating in TNE for two years now is that it's a huge commitment for anyone - regardless of gender, etc. - with the cost and time needed to complete this event. But as I've seen in many other instances, it takes a lot more encouragement and camaraderie for a lot of women to jump into these sorts of things than it does for men. Yes, I know - there's always exceptions. Given that female participation is not anywhere near that of men in enduro across all events in the US, I'm not expecting to have an equal number represented....but considering we had 25 racers in 2021, with 4 women and then nearly 38 racers this year, with 3 women, I would love to try and spur that ratio in the other direction in the very least. Additionally, while many of the guys racing TNE come in without knowing anyone, the majority of vast women who have participated in TNE the last two years have known someone who is already competing or has signed up with another person that they know and trust. Be it a spouse, a riding buddy, or a friend who helped assure them that it would be a blast. It's just about getting in front of the right people, and sometimes I think that does mean pushing even harder to get this event in front of women-specific organizations and communities. But that's just my two cents...

@MollyJoyce We only had 3 ladies racing the whole event, with a few extras popping in for some local days throughout. But we're looking for more ;) 2023??

It's about the people you get to meet + ride with, the challenge of pushing way past your abilities - both in the technicality of trails and the sheer amount of riding, up and down, throughout the week - the awesome food and accommodations, the rad crew of volunteers, media, medics, and more, the local knowledge and guiding that you wouldn't get elsewhere. But the people make it worth it, it's impossible to do something like this with 50 or so other people without coming out with a new family. Sure, it may not be 'worth it' for everyone - and that's fine. But if you like biking, making new friends, challenging yourself, finding amazing new trails, getting to meet and ride with the builders themselves, and throw a bit of racing and good ol' competition in the mix, then I would say DO IT!

1. Semenuk 2. Vestavik 3. Lacondeguy

dude, epic job on that video!!

I'd switch teams for her. Well done, Vero!

Thank you - both for the kind words and for reading! Wasn't anticipating this article getting on the front page of PB, so it's a pleasant surprise that people are seeing this :)