Despite a questionable forecast and large amounts of rain coming down everywhere else in the PNW, 20 women were giddily enjoying their luck on the trails at Growlers Gulch, free of water falling from the sky. A perfect day for a log-over clinic.
Riding log-overs can be tricky, intimidating and the root cause of many naughty words. Kevin from Proper Cycle Werks focused in on basic steps to follow to prepare and execute a successful pass over the log(s). Each rider took their turn and with each pass, gained more and more confidence and a better feel for each movement that they were preforming that allowed their bikes to get up and over the obstacle.
Next, they moved on to a different style of log-over. They learned how to assess that a different obstacle, while using the same skills, requires a slight change in the approach. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” One by one the riders cycled through several turns, asking questions and getting valuable feedback. Practicing a challenging skill in front of 19 other people can be intimidating BUT it is also incredibly inspiring to be the recipient of cheers, praise and encouragement from your Trail Sisters. They learned from each other’s successes and struggles and turned them into their own successful outcomes.
These new skills were immediately put to work as they traveled through the remainder of the advanced playground, crossing at least 10 more complicated log-overs before reaching the end of the trail. These difficult obstacles went from being intimidating to being a welcomed challenge.
The ride portion of the day was extra special because it included all of the trails that were cleared from the Women’s Trail Maintenance Day just 2 weeks earlier. For those on the ride that did the trail work, they enjoyed the fruits of their labor; the others got to appreciate all of the hard work that was clearly evident.
Thank you to Denise from Powerful Journeys for being the event’s fearless ride leader!
A fun and successful clinic and ride was celebrated with refreshments and beer graciously provided by Lagunita’s Brewing. These events are made possible by a beautiful collaboration between Proper Cycle Werks, NW Trail Alliance and the crew of fantastic women that volunteer their passion and time to lead these rides. Great things are possible when we work together!
Join us for a beginner level ride, Sunday 4/14 @ 1pm.
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