It was 2010. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the birth of Instagram. Toy Story 3 and 29” wheels.
Mountain Biking had been around for a couple of decades, but it was dominated by male riders. Karen Lynaugh said to herself “there really ought to be a ladies’ group.” She made a proposal to the BTCEB board of directors to set up a regular ride for women, in addition to the co-ed rides that the club had been putting on for years. The directors, led by then-president Michael Meija, enthusiastically agreed and made her Director of Women’s Programs. The directors have been unwavering in their support ever since.
Karen not only had the program worked out, she had a name: “Ride Like a Girl.” It’s a great name, too. It takes back a gendered insult and turns it into a rallying cry.
On June 6, 2010, six women riders gathered at Shell Ridge near Mount Diablo. Ride Like a Girl was officially a thing. Every month since then – barring rain and the odd global pandemic – we’ve ridden like girls for 15 years! As I write, there have been 143 rides at 25 parks circling the Bay Area. Ride Like a Girl has sought out fun places to ride as far North as Annadel, all the way South to Soquel Demonstration Forest.
Karen led Ride Like a Girl for the first three years, ably assisted by a group of strong women including Inga Beck, Jane Moorhead, Karen S. and Amy Arcus. Karen set the tone we’ve followed ever since: she showed her riders the trails she liked, all over the Bay Area. Nobody was left behind and everyone had fun. The East Bay women’s mountain bike community grew and thrived under her leadership.
When Karen moved away, she recalls saying, diplomatically, to Amy: “you’re going to do this, right?” Fortunately, Amy said yes. She led the program, with help from Inga, Ellen Wilson and Alex Kay, for the next seven years until the world came to a halt in 2020. (I know I’m missing some people here, which I regret. Fortunately, this is the web: reach out and I’ll make it better.)
When it felt safe to begin again, BTCEB put out a call to find a new leader. I’d been on a few of Amy’s rides and had a great time, so I raised my hand. And I got the job! I’ve had lots of helpers, but I’d especially like to thank Heather Broome. Her boundless enthusiasm and cheer are more infectious then the ‘rona!
Leading Ride Like a Girl has been a joyful experience for me. I’ve met hundreds of wonderful women and made some deep friendships. When we pause on rides, it’s deeply satisfying to watch “my” girls chatting, exchanging their details and beginning new friendships of their own. With apologies (kinda) to the guys, it’s different when it’s just women (cis, trans and femme – it’s how you identify that matters). There’s no stress and competition. It’s just women supporting women while having a whole load of fun.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re going to hit the nifty singletrack of Joaquin Miller Park (looked after by BTCEB volunteers, in case you didn’t know) and then we have a special treat: Heather lives just down the hill and we’re all invited over for a barbecue.
So join us and we’ll raise a glass to 15 more years of Ride Like a Girl!
Rebecca Lewington, Board Member-at-Large
