Two wheels and big smiles go together
Women cyclists (and would-be cyclists), good news!
If you’re looking for opportunities to learn, improve, and challenge yourselves, Wildflower Outdoors has cycling opportunities for women of all ages and abilities.
The northern Utah group sponsors two annual Wildflower events that are noncompetitive, but both include an optional competitive heat.
Owners Kim and Nick Bowsher purchased the Wildflower Outdoor bike series from Stacie Palmer. Kim says of their decision, “These opportunities for women to engage in a new sport, or push themselves further in a sport they already love, were really important to me and we wanted it to continue.”
Kim also had a personal investment in the events: Trailfest was her first ever mountain bike coordinated ride and she “fell in love with the vibe and spirit of Wildflower on the spot.”
Last month’s Wildflower Trailfest at Powder Mountain was the Bowshers’ first event at the helm.
Nearly 100 women cyclists and trail runners participated in either a six or 13-mile cycling loop or a 10k trail run. The Friday before the event, nonprofit group WomenMTB provided certified coaches to give 40 women in groups of eight skill training on the actual trails for the course.
Kim said of this opportunity, “It’s really so incredible to see these women get out there and be brave in trying something new! I believe the oldest clinic participant was in her sixties and the youngest was just barely twenty. We really are curating an all-ages, all skill-level experience that’s unique for women.”
Even occasional wind and rain couldn’t keep the smiles off the faces of women coming across the finish line.
On August 17, Wildflower Pedalfest will be held in Morgan Valley. It will include events, activities, and an optional retreat the evening before. The ride will have course options from 18 to 57 miles.
For those looking for competition, the winner of the hill climb will receive a set of $3,000 ENVE rims. Individual and team registrations are open at wildfloweroutdoor.com.
Wildflower Outdoor isn’t just about these two events; it’s about building a community.
Between events, they have cycling groups that meet weekly in Salt Lake and Ogden for both road and trail biking.
Kim explains, “We are really proud of the experience that we are providing to lady riders and the tribe we are building!”
It can be intimidating to try something new, but Wildflower Outdoor is helping more women get up and get out.
If you’d like to try it, check out www.wildfloweroutdoor.com, or email info@wildfloweroutdoor.com.
You may find yourself agreeing with the Bowshers that “Bike time is the best time.”
Read more HERE
