Ladies set to take on the Lake once again
Following the resounding success of the inaugural Ladies of the Lake Mountain Bike Challenge in 2018, Orange Mountain Bike Club are pleased to announce the return of the event in 2019.
Held at the Club's home trails at the Lake Canobolas Mountain Bike Park, and offering trails for riders of all skill level and experience, the event is set amongst native bushland and boasting views certainly worth climbing the hill for.
The Challenge is designed to encourage female riders to 'have a go', in a positive and fun environment, while also providing an opportunity for more competitive riders to pit themselves against the trails and other riders. The event features three distinct categories for riders to choose from: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert, with the riding trails catering to the skill level of those riders. Riders are challenged to complete as many laps as they can (or want) within two hours.
All entrants will receive a pack of riding goodies, and a souvenir race plate, with spot prizes and podium prizes in each category also up for grabs.
In the weeks approaching the October 27 Challenge, the ladies of Orange Mountain Bike Club will host track familiarisation sessions and workshops, aimed at helping newer riders gain confidence and build riding skills. The sessions will be free of charge and held at the Lake Canobolas Mountain Bike Park.
After attending a women-only mountain bike race held at Canberra's Mt Stromlo in 2017, event organisers Kim Broadfoot, Leanne Palmer, and Alli Campbell saw the demand for female orientated mountain bike events - so they decided to hold one of their own.
The 2018 inaugural event attracted over 60 female riders, some travelling from as far afield as Jindabyne and Sydney to attend.
Of the 64 entrants, it was noted that about three-quarters of riders had never participated in a mountain bike race before, showing that the desire to participate in the sport is growing.
More information about the Ladies of the Lake Mountain Bike Challenge and Orange Mountain Bike Club can be found on Facebook.