The focus will be all on the fairer sex on Saturday 16 May when the PPA Tread Lightly Women’s MTB takes place at the Backsberg Estate near Paarl. On this day the ladies will take to the trails, while the men look after the kids and provide support at the venue.
“A few years ago we decided to do something specifically for the ladies,” said PPA General Manager Karin Pohl. “We found that many women are reluctant to participate in mountain bike events because the distances are too long or the routes are too technical; or they simply don’t like the way some men come charging past them at speed. The focus of this event is therefore on fun, with routes that are not too technical nor too long, and where the only comment you’ll hear if you walk up or even down a hill will be along the lines of ‘Keep going’ and ‘You can do it’.”
The event offers great support en route – especially at the water point where chocolates and bubbly are on offer together with the usual water, Coke and other refreshments. “We haven’t yet given up on the idea of having dancing boys at the water point,” she said.
The PPA Tread Lightly Women’s MTB is now in its fourth year and has, as far as can be determined, already grown to be the biggest all-female off-road event in the country.
Three routes are on offer to cater for every fitness level. The short 5km route is aimed specifically at novice riders and does not include any single track sections. Men are allowed to enter the 5 km, provided they are accompanied at all times by a child u/12 who will keep an eye on Dad and make sure he is okay. Fit novice riders can enter the undulating 15 km route, while experienced riders can look forward to a tough 35 km with some steep climbs, very fast descents and more technical singletrack.
Back at the venue, Dad can watch while the kids and sample some of the delights at the food stalls. “We’ve even organised massage therapists to help soothe any aching muscles after the ride,” Pohl said. Great lucky draw prizes are on offer, including shopping vouchers, accommodation vouchers and various hampers
Entries close at noon on Monday 6 May 2015 or when 1000 entries have been received, whichever comes first. No late entries will be taken on the morning of the event.
For more information or to enter online, visit www.pedalpower.org.za or call (021) 689-8420.
