You see it everywhere, on our Loeka jerseys, the new Giro helmets, as an accent on bikes, hats, gloves, etc. it goes on forever. That’s because of the movement of women joining the sport. Fnally! Ladies are finally starting to ride not only because their husbands or boyfriends want them to, but because they want to, and now with all the great women’s gear, they can look good doing it. Since we started Loeka, we’ve seen the large demand for not only women’s’ clothing, but women’s specific bikes. We are building our 2007 team and looking for a bike partner and 2 companies have already come to us with proposals. These larger companies are also realizing how important the women’s market has become. (not to mention they are typically the decision maker in the family when it comes to spending money) We’re starting to see women’s sites popping up all over the internet, women’s clubs, associations and teams. It’s great and about time! We want to get as many women involved in the sport as possible. Besides riding with your friends and having fun, its a great way to stay in shape, see the world and relieve stress. There’s nothing like going for a good spin after a hard day at the office. Even during the off-season you can join a gym that offers spinning classes and burn over 1000 calories an hour.

If your reading this article contemplating getting into cycling, its the best investment you can make. To start it may cost you a few thousand dollars to buy the bike and gear, but its an investment worth every penny. Once you have the bike, most of the trails and roads are free. And its an opportunity to spend time outside either on your own or with friends. If your not sure where to start, look on the internet, ask some questions on the forums and go from there. Pinkmtb.com is a great place to learn more about the industry and talk with women about cycling. Find out what bikes the ladies around you like, analyze what type of riding you will be doing and talk to your local bike shop. But do your research into components, weight, geometry etc… and when you buy the bike, make sure it fits, please. If you find your arms are too stretched out, get the shop to swap out the stem for a smaller one, or larger one if you’re too crouched. Or if the seat does not go low enough for free-riding, have them chop off an inch or 2. Don’t leave the shop without your biking fitting you properly. The last thing you need when you gear up to ride, is to find that something doesn’t work or fit. If you find your arms are too spread out, they can also take an inch off your bars. The standard bike you buy will need some minor customization. So make sure your shop spends the time with you to fit the bike properly. If your local shop is very busy on the weekends, take some time in the evenings or during the week to stop in, or call first to be sure they will have an hour to spend with you.

Now that you have the gear, its time to get out and ride. If you don’t have a riding partner, talk to the shop because I”m sure they know lots of ladies to ride with. Or go on-line and look up your local cycling group or association. Most of them have scheduled rides at different levels and its a great way to meet people. TAking a weekend or one day clinic is another great way to get out and meet some people at the same level as you. And don’t be afraid to ride with people a few levels above you. It will make you a stronger rider and you’ll learn much quicker. If the trails you are riding have some challenging sections, take it slow or walk if you need to. (But sometimes walking is more difficult than riding, unless you have really good shoes) One day you will just ride over that log, or do that small drop that almost caused a separation between you and your significant other, because as a woman, some technical aspects of the trails are difficult to conquer, more mentally than physically. But over time, you’ll become a stronger rider and you’ll ride off that drop without even thinking. And do celebrate with a beer afterwards, because you deserve it!

If you do have any questions about the sport, gear or bikes, feel free to email us anytime.

Good luck and happy riding!