Women set to take over Guelph's mountain bike trails this weekend

Women across the province are gearing up for the Mountain Bike Exchange in Guelph Saturday, an event held to empower women mountain bikers as they explore new trails, together.

Hosted by the Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association (GORBA) about 100 women will make their way along the trails at Guelph Lake and at Arkell Spring Grounds.

MTB Exchange, a province-wide women's mountain bike club that includes members from Guelph, goes beyond conquering trails. It's about forging lasting connections and empowering one another.

The 'supportive sisterhood' is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women both on and off the bike.

"Starting April or May, typically when the trails start to be good enough to ride, different clubs around the province host a ride on a particular day. Women can sign up and join," said GORBA member, Janice Duffy, who is helping to organize this year's MTB Exchange event in Guelph.

Women of every skill level are encouraged to take part, from beginner to advanced mountain bikers.

"I really enjoy the camaraderie. This is my third season participating. At my first GORBA event, I had women in my group who were just getting into mountain biking, some in their 70's, and some in their 20's. Everybody is just happy to be there, supporting each other, trying new things," Duffy said. 

"It really is such a fun and positive atmosphere to be a part of."

The MTB Exchange holds multiple events from April to December.

Duffy says each club selects a weekend to host the MTB Exchange and women are invited to sign up for as many as they would like.

"The job of the hosting club is to provide the leaders and the sweeps, who make sure no riders are left behind, for each group. They are all volunteers," Duffy said.

"There are two different sites in Guelph, one is at the Guelph Lake Trails and the other is at the Arkell Trails for more advanced riders. The trail builders at GORBA, have done a fantastic job especially over the last three to four years. The trails have just excelled tremendously."

The ride starts at 10 a.m. until about 12 p.m. A social will follow at Fixed Gear Brewing’s Alma Street location.

"We will all gather at the Lakeside Church on Concession Rd. at about 8:30 a.m.. People can come, check in and register," Duffy said.
"There will be speeches and then we all ride."

Since 1992, GORBA, a registered not-for-profit, volunteer organization is committed to mountain bike riding in the greater Guelph area.

The organization maintains two riding areas equalling over 1000 acres with almost 50 kms of trails.The group hosts group rides for members, including women's only rides.

"On a Tuesday night you might get 60 women out riding. I do find, women who are new to mountain biking, tend to feel  a little less less intimidated when riding with other women," Duffy said.

Women's only rides take place at different times through out the year. For more information, visit here.

Duffy has been a GORBA member for six years.

"I love it because mountain biking is not typically the safest thing to do on your own. When I first got back into mountain biking, I didn't really know the trails but I wanted a social outlet. I had a four year old and a two year old and so I needed something to get me back out," Duffy said.

"I've always liked biking. I biked on those trails with a few friends in the past so I just thought, this is a great way to meet people," Duffy said.

Duffy says The MTB Exchange offers something for everyone and for every skill level.

"I don't think you could find a nicer group or a more fun day," she said.

"If you love the outdoors, and you love to bike, you can really meet alot of wonderful like-minded individuals."

To register, visit here.