Moving forward to the start line, the first amateur female to start each stage puts her front wheel on the blue Shimano tape, and earns a loud cheer of support and a playful, serenade of various bike bells, hoots and hollers. Somehow, we all learn each others names and we constantly give support to each other all weekend long. We rarely tease or taunt. Its just good-natured encouragement and smiles for us.
The timing dudes smile and admit, "You guys are my favorite." Most of the other (mountain biking and Enduro are male-dominated sports) fields are very quiet and serious at their start lines. The amateur women, it seems, are really just out there to have a good time.
The timing dudes smile and admit, "You guys are my favorite." Most of the other (mountain biking and Enduro are male-dominated sports) fields are very quiet and serious at their start lines. The amateur women, it seems, are really just out there to have a good time.
Sienna toes the line. While I act a fool in the pen.
The thing about racing Enduro as an amateur woman, is that it really is just about having a good time. We are more apt to take a swig off a flask than to take time to find the right blend of electrolytes for race day. Instead of practicing our race runs and getting to bed early, we might go check out the home-made water slide at our group campsite.
There's often a mid-day, mountain-top yoga session as a few of the competitors are certified yoga instructors. Have a knot in your back that needs a little work? Well, we can direct you to our favorite massage-therapist who happens to be a bad-ass lady-shredder.
We may be more focused on changing into pink spandex and tutu's than we are at watching the results board. And although this may result in some results-mishaps and podium errors, the fun times and good memories made, are well-worth the shenanigan-efforts.
We may be more focused on changing into pink spandex and tutu's than we are at watching the results board. And although this may result in some results-mishaps and podium errors, the fun times and good memories made, are well-worth the shenanigan-efforts.
Photo cred: Lauren Forcey
Racing Enduro as an amateur female might be intimidating for the un-initiated. But the reality is that you've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain. If you are thinking about trying a race as an amateur female, don't hesitate a minute more.