The project is called MTB Lady and consists of a series of meetings, for a total of three dates, aimed at introducing women to mountain biking. MTB Lady is organized by Torrevilla Bike , a course that took place between March and April on three dates . The meeting point is the Parketto Bike in the Parco Unicef area of Monticello Brianza. The course took place on the afternoons of March 28, April 11, and April 18.
The Torrevilla Bike technicians teach a series of off-road riding notions , with exercises and a section on how to behave on the road and on trails.
"The project," explains Paola Grossi, president of the Torrevilla Bike association , " was born about ten years ago, and aims to introduce women to the world of cycling . It's a way to improve and overcome the technical difficulties that often prevent women from cycling."
What does the course offer?
A series of tips for becoming familiar with the bike and improving riding technique. This allows women to be more confident and have fun when they go pedaling on other trails or paths.
A need that arises from what inspiration?
Encourage women to mountain bike and help them overcome the first major obstacle: approach. Men are more daring in mountain biking, while women are more cautious. Often, women join us to overcome that initial hesitation and find greater peace of mind . A peace of mind that will allow them to then use their mountain bike freely in any context.
What aspects do you focus on the most?
We've seen that it's a technical mistrust, tied to overcoming obstacles or descending. There's always a certain amount of fear that holds women back from mountain biking , but this course is designed to help them gain confidence and self-assurance.
How many members do you have?
Since the course takes place every year in early spring, we have between 20 and 25 members. But what's particularly pleasing is that over the years we've seen the number of members increase . This means that women are approaching mountain biking out of curiosity and interest, and then continue.
Do you have female instructors?
We have FCI instructors, mostly men, but there are also some female guides within our association. I think having a male or female instructor makes no difference . What helps women overcome the initial hurdle is having a group they can rely on.
Is this spirit created?
Very much so, the course is open to all ages; we have women under thirty and even over sixty. But the great thing is that they also get together outside of the course days to ride together and try out certain sections or passages . Or they come on the outings organized by us at the association.
The fact that they continue means that the desire to pedal is not lacking, sometimes it doesn't take much...
The curiosity and desire is there, and we see it in the course dedicated to young people too . It's called MTB Boys & Girls and is open to children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 14. There's a good number of girls here too, sometimes even much better than the boys . All it takes is the courage to give it a try, and that's what we're here for!
