Mountain biking has always been a sport rooted in adventure, grit, and connection. But in the last decade, something extraordinary has happened: women have begun entering the sport like never before — and they’re building powerful, uplifting communities along the way. What started as a handful of ladies in the sport, has become a nationwide movement of women supporting women on (and off) the trails.
Women’s MTB groups have become safe spaces for riders to learn skills, make friends, grow confidence, escape stress, and develop a sense of belonging. There’s laughter, mentorship, real talk, encouragement, and a whole lot of joy. The trails have turned into gathering places where women can show up as their authentic selves.
Let’s explore how these communities formed, why they matter so much, and how they are reshaping the culture of mountain biking — one ride, one skill, one Bigfoot T-shirt, and one brave moment at a time.
The Power of Women Supporting Women in Outdoor Spaces
There’s something magical that happens when women gather outside. It’s freedom — a break from expectations, roles, routines, and everyday pressures. Women’s mountain biking groups create a space where riders can:
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Try something new without judgment
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Learn at their own pace
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Celebrate each other’s progress
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Share their stories and struggles
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Build trust and friendships
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Be encouraged instead of criticized
Outdoor spaces strip away hierarchies. There’s no supervisor, no performance review — just trail, movement, and shared experience. Women find a sense of sisterhood that feels refreshing, inspirational, and grounding.
This is why the “women supporting women” movement is such a natural fit with mountain biking. Confidence, vulnerability, bravery, and joy all blend together into something powerfully uplifting.
Why Women’s MTB Groups Are Growing Faster Than Ever
Several cultural shifts have contributed to the explosive growth of women’s mountain biking communities:
1. Social Media Visibility
Women now see other women riding — and it makes mountain biking feel accessible, achievable and less intimidating.
2. Women-Led Coaching
More female coaches are teaching skills clinics, leading rides, teaching bike maintenance and representing the sport on all levels.
3. Desire for Healthy Outdoor Connection
After years of digital burnout, women crave real-life connection, movement and time in nature.
4. Apparel Designed for Women
Fun, colorful, expressive mountain bike clothing — including local brands with unique adventure shirts — makes the sport feel welcoming rather than intimidating. Clothing that represents a feminine feel not just shrink and pink men’s clothing.
5. Rise of Empowerment Culture
Women want experiences that challenge, uplift, and empower them, not drain their energy.
Together, these factors have created the perfect environment for women’s MTB communities to flourish.
How Group Rides Build Confidence in Completely New Ways
There’s something special about trying a new sport with other women who “get it.” Instead of fear or pressure, there’s encouragement and patience.
Riders help each other with:
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Braking techniques
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Cornering
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Body position
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Tackling rock gardens
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Riding drops
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Climbing strategies
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Bike maintenance
Women learn faster because they feel safe — not judged. Confidence grows naturally.
One of the most heartwarming sights in women’s mountain biking is seeing a group stop mid-trail to cheer for the woman who said,
“I can’t do this,” or “I am scared”
only to find herself doing exactly that — with a dozen voices cheering behind her.
Skills Clinics: The Secret Ingredient
Women’s clinics are game-changers. Unlike co-ed clinics, women-only sessions provide space for:
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Learn female body positioning on the bike which is different than male positioning
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Asking questions without embarrassment
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Admitting fears and learning techniques to overcome them
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Practicing at a comfortable pace
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Encouraging environment instead of a competitive one
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Women mentoring women and celebrating each other
These clinics build technical skill and emotional resilience. Women walk away feeling stronger, braver, and more excited to ride.
The Social Magic That Happens at the Trailhead
Mountain biking isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle. Conversations happen on the trail, in parking lots, around tailgates, at local breweries, and during post-ride hangs. Women swap:
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Career stories
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Health & Nutrition tips
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Dating advice
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Mom life tips
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Personal struggles
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Wins and breakthroughs
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Travel plans
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Gear recommendations
Many women say they’ve found their closest adult friendships through mountain biking. It’s community in its purest form.
How Fun Apparel Brings Women Together (Yes — Even Bigfoot Shirts!)
Brands that create women-centered designs are helping build this community even more. When women show up in matching shirts, bold colors, adventure graphics, or funny Bigfoot prints, it sparks connection and joy.
Apparel becomes part of the culture:
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Teams create group shirts
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Skill clinics give swag
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Riding clubs make matching jerseys
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Local brands become community hubs
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Women feel proud repping something fun
A Bigfoot adventure tee can literally start a friendship.
Empowered Women Change the Sport — and Their Lives
Women who join these communities often report:
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Gaining lifelong best friends
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Feeling stronger mentally and physically
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Improving body confidence
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Taking more healthy risks
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Feeling less stressed at work
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Becoming more adventurous in all areas of life
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Starting new hobbies
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Traveling more
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Breaking old fears
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Building deeper self-trust
Mountain biking becomes the catalyst for transformation.
Conclusion: The Future is Female — and It’s on the Trails
Women’s mountain biking groups are more than social clubs. They’re movements of empowerment, friendship, courage, and fun. They’re shaping the culture of the sport and building a generation of women who lift each other up.
Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a seasoned rider, there’s a community waiting for you — and they’d love for you to join.