PGR Women's Downhill Weekend at Panorama Mountain Resort

This past weekend, Prairie Girls Racing (http://www.prairiegirlsracing.ca) hosted their second annual Women’s Downhill Weekend at sponsoring mountain resort, Panorama. The event was geared to riders of all abilities, from ladies who have never ridden downhill, to those in intermediate and black diamond classes.

Friday rain made for prime trail conditions on Saturday - truly the best all season! The day began with beginner and intermediate coaching lessons by Alex Lee with Most Epic Adventures (http://www.mostepic.com) and Matt Monod with Panorama Mountain Resort. Coaching lessons included cornering, body positioning, jumps, drops and more. From fast and flowy trails like "Let it Ride" (a weekend favourite) to black diamond technical descents including "Bender;" it was a day full of riding and learning.




Riding was followed by afternoon mountain-top yoga by Jessica Saulnier (http://www.yogalifestudios.ca), and poolside relaxation at Panorama's on-hill outdoor pool - one of the largest in Canada.


Saturday evening was a fun-filled night open to everyone. PGR hosted a barbeque sponsored by Steam Whistle Brewing, followed by some challenging, shoulder-burning, beer stein holding competitions. Prairie boys had some fun too, with lots of PGR prizes to go around. Subsequent events of the night may or may not have included “the worm” at T-Bar by birthday girl and PGR racer, Alison.

For the early risers, Sunday began with morning yoga, followed by all day Strava competitions and other PGR contests, including "most air."


And though the weekend flew by, we left with new friends, dirty bikes and smiles all around!


Thanks to our event sponsors Western Cycle Ltd. (http://westerncycle.com), Pinkbike, MEC, and Exit Beanies for prize donations, and Solo Energy Bar (http://www.soloenergybar.ca/) for keeping us energized! Special thanks to Panorama Mountain Resort (http://www.panoramaresort.com), our favourite mountain biking playground that never lets us down; and Most Epic Adventures for hosting the best weekend getaways! Stay tuned for more Prairie Girls Racing events throughout the year!

Comments from the weekend:

"By far the best weekend ever!!! We had three of us go and we are still on cloud 9 two days later"

"Such a great event!!! Let's keep it going and bring more ladies out next year!!!"

"Everyone was amazing, the coach was top notch! You go there scared because you know no one, and leave with a second family."

"The lemon SoLo Energy Bar was amazing!! Tasted awesome and kept me going for a few more laps before I had to stop for a break."

"Safe environment to try things and learn. Very supportive and encouraging. BBQ was great and contests were neat too."

"Perfect conditions. Friendly, welcoming environment. Perfect for all levels!!"

"The people, the coaching, the atmosphere! Nothing there not to love!"

http://www.prairiegirlsracing.ca