AdventureHers: A Comfortable Place For Women

Tales From the Trails

AdventureHers race team.
AdventureHers poster.

In the summer of 2003, Susan Bladyko of Regina, invited women to join her for a mountain bike ride once a week. At the end of the season, she realized that in mountain biking, like in other areas, women want their own space. Susan gathered a small core of other women bikers around her to develop some ideas. By February 2004, things were in place and AdventureHers, a women's biking club was established.

Thanks to women who donated their time talent and resources, a professional, eye-catching poster was printed and distributed to gyms, sports facilities and community bulletin boards around the city. By poster and word of mouth women throughout Regina got the message was that AdventureHers was a new club open to women of all fitness levels who wanted to learn more about biking or who simply wanted to ride with other women.

The initial "Get to know each other" meeting in late March drew over 40 women! By the time the first ride was held on May 6, 2004 AdventureHers had close to 50 members, and the ride itself drew over 40 participants!

By the end of the first season, official club membership had reached 59, with another 60 or 70 women on an e-mail list. Many women had made good friends and were inspired to help each other stay active throughout the winter with activities such as indoor rock climbing, swimming and cross country skiing.

After another successful riding season in 2005, the group continues to grow. When asked what they like about the club most participants say they like the supportive and encouraging atmosphere that the women only group provides. They appreciate that the ride leaders will take the time to give some tips on technique and allow time to practice a new skill.

Basically, AdventureHers is just a comfortable group of women having fun outdoors, enjoying each others company and getting lots of exercise in the process!

For more information check out: www.adventurehers.com

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