Mountain bike racing is not just for the guys! Women and girls are just as keen to compete, with growing interest in the sport fostered by female specific events such as the upcoming 'Jills at Jacks' women's mountain bike race, to be held in the Nambucca State Forest on Sunday, March 31.
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The Jills race, as it is affectionately known, is in its second year. Entries are coming in from as far afield as Brisbane and the Hunter Valley from women and girls keen to ride at the Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park, renowned for its beautiful forested setting and flowing single track.
Although it's a competitive event with a start and finish line and prizes, the event is also designed to be inclusive, with opportunities to have a laugh, share stories and provide encouragement.
Organisers from the Nambucca Valley Cycle Club have planned an evening at the Star Hotel in Macksville on the evening before the race, where competitors can collect their race pack and meet other women over a meal and a drink. On race day there'll be music, fresh coffee and spot prizes before the race begins at 10am; and during the race itself there will be plenty of cheering from the side lines.
The event is a cross-country style format, with riders opting to race either solo or in a team for 1.5 hours or three hours duration. Each lap is 8.4km long, taking in some of the best technical features of the trails whilst providing a course that will suit most skill levels. Women of all ages are welcome to enter, with the lower age cut-off for competitors being 11 years. Conditions apply to all competitors aged between 11 and 18 years, and entry is free for this age group.
Girls aged 10 years and under will have the opportunity to ride together for fun in a 30 minute Dirt Girls 'curtain raiser' starting at about 9am on the day of the race.
For details of how to enter and for more information go to the Jills at Jacks Facebook page or the Nambucca Valley Cycle Club website at www.jacksridge.com.au