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I stumbled upon a blog I wrote years ago. The words ring even more true today.. Riding like a girl is a good thing. included are some pictures from the Cycle Works West/Polaris Industries ladies ride clinics I teach in Valemount British Columbia. Next clinic is February 23rd to 25th 2018. Contact Cycle Works West for more information.
 Being a woman Rider, be it a Bike, Sled or an ATV is not something that was considered main stream or the norm twenty years ago. There were riders scattered here and there, quite often perched upon the back seat behind their man like somewhat of a trophy. To see a woman on a machine was a rare occurrence, but as the days grew into years, more and more women surfaced, independent on their own machines, and enjoying every moment of it. They weren’t out there riding simply to spend time with their man, they too enjoyed the thrills, the physical exertion and the sheer raw beauty of each excursion.
 Cindy Jeffery and Christine Latimer working as a team unloading snowmobiles
Fast forward to today. We are a united group of women who are strong in spirit and skill. We are sisters, encouraging, and pushing each other to reach goals, to become, not only better riders, but better people. We have group mentality of paying it forward to each other, and the sport we love.
 Charlene Story Whitfield getting her game face on We are strong women, on our own. Good female riders. There is no need to compare us to men. I’ve thought much about this. When I hear statements about “showing the boys how it’s done” and “riding as good as the men” I wonder if we’ve truly accepted the fact that we, indeed are women riders. Riders by our own rights.   Natasha Reitan taking a breather
“You ride like a woman”. Is that a derogatory term? It shouldn’t be. Be proud to be a woman. Ride strong, like a woman. There is no need to compare us to men, no matter what skill level we are at. We are women riders, pure and simple. Women riders have nothing to prove to men, really. If we want to go riding, we can simply go. We have the means, the support network, and friends to make it happen. We don’t have to prove that we are good enough to be taken along. We have a network of women that is growing each day, women who will not be left behind. Ladies Rides, and an accepting Nation of people who love what we are doing. Growing the sport, and encouraging new riders to get out there and be strong, ride to the best of their ability, and keep safe. 
Women, well… we are an excitable creature. We whoop holler and talk much more than our male counterparts. It is quite easy to let emotion get the better of us, and let a “IN YER FACE” fly out in triumph now and then. Prepare for our vibrance, prepare for our laughter, and prepare for more women riders to be out enjoying the back country. Women, do not compare yourselves to men, be proud to Ride like a Girl. It IS a compliment, it is Awesome. |
sledmomma 