A women’s riding group has grown significantly since it was started about nine years ago.
Bike Dunedin coach and mountain biker Nat Munns said the Women’s Wednesday group provided women with a supportive environment to give the sport a go and connect with like-minded people.
She has watched it grow from humble beginnings of just five riders.
"The biggest we’ve had is over 50 women to one ride, which is crazy," Munns said.
The group was run by a team of local female riders of all ages, abilities and experience.
Each week the group heads to a different mountain bike track with the aim of encouraging women to get on their bikes, build confidence and have fun.
"I don’t care if I ride 10m, if I’ve got someone out for the night on their bike that’s epic.
"It’s just all about encouraging women."
Cycle World community marketing manager Katy Roberts, who recently started mountain biking, praised Munns’ coaching.
She was so passionate and encouraging, she said.
"Everyone knows Nat and thinks she’s great."
Munns put the growth of the sport down to a few factors, particularly the impressive trail networks around Dunedin at Signal Hill, Nichols Creek and Whare Flat.
"There is a much wider variety of trails especially catering for the recreational and beginner level of rider," she said.
"This is all due to the hard work and dedication from the local mountain bike club, Mountain Biking Otago."
More female exposure at elite levels, such as the Red Bull Rampage event, and on social media also had an impact.
Seeing other female riders performing well and achieving was helpful.
"That knock-on effect down is just super encouraging for other riders."
Dunedin’s growth in female riders has lead to the introduction of an annual women-only enduro-style event.
Hosted by Cycle World, Bike Dunedin and Mountain Biking Otago, the event was first held last year and again in February this year.
Typically women would be far outnumbered by men at events, but making it women-only gave them the confidence to give it a go, Munns said.
About 60 riders from around the South Island took part.
Roberts was one of them and said the vibe was amazing.
"I would never had done something like that if it was a mixed thing," she said.
"It was a really lovely event."
Munns said the event allowed women to complete the trails at their own pace without feeling like they were holding anyone up.
For some, just completing it was a massive achievement, she said.
The final Women’s Wednesday ride for the season was held last month and will resume in October.
Other events will be held through winter for those keen to stay involved and keep connected.
"There’s so many girls that I’ve met there that then go riding at the weekends together, which is really nice," Munns said.
"That’s what you want."
