Northwest Trail Alliance and NW Trail Sisters came together at Sandy Ridge on May 2nd to celebrate International Women’s Mountain Biking Day with a day centered around trail stewardship, community, and getting more women involved in mountain biking and trail building. The event brought together approximately 70 attendees, including 10 dedicated trail work volunteers, for a full day of digging, riding, mentorship, and connection.
The day began with trail work projects focused on improving and maintaining several key areas within the Sandy Ridge trail system. Volunteers filled holes, trimmed vegetation, improved drainage, and raked Laura’s Line to keep the trail running smoothly. Another crew tackled erosion concerns around the pavers on lower Hide and Seek, while a separate team worked on clearing alternate lines for future rock gardens and skinnies in the new parking lot skills zone.
One of the biggest highlights from the day was introducing several women to trail maintenance for the very first time. Events like this create important entry points into the stewardship side of mountain biking, helping participants see that trails do not simply exist, but they are built and maintained by communities willing to show up and care for them.
There were group rides led by guides from NW Trail Sisters, Wednesday Wrippers, and Mt. Hood Dirt Divas. Riders of varying skill levels were able to connect, explore Sandy Ridge, and build confidence alongside other women in the mountain bike community.
The community support surrounding the event was equally impressive. Riders and volunteers were welcomed with fresh-brewed coffee and cold brew from Nossa Familia Coffee, while the women of Westside Trail Federation organized a breakfast bar for participants. SimWorks provided what many attendees described as the highlight of the day: home-cooked Japanese curry prepared fresh onsite with multiple rice cookers running simultaneously to feed the entire group.
The raffle and sponsor support added another layer of encouragement and celebration. Participants received products and support from brands including SimWorks, Shredly, Handup, Timberline Lodge, Showers Pass, SRAM MTB, Spank Bikes, and Northwest Trail Alliance.
More importantly, the event highlighted the continued need for representation and inclusion within mountain biking. According to NWTA member surveys and broader industry observations, only around 13–20% of mountain bikers identify as female. Events like International Women’s Mountain Biking Day are an important reminder that growing participation requires intentional spaces where women feel welcomed, encouraged, and empowered, both on the bike and behind the tools.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered, rode, supported, and celebrated International Women’s Mountain Biking Day at Sandy Ridge.