Last Sunday, around 2000 women joined the inaugural “Women’s Ride” which comprised 53 rides and 13 events around Victoria. The rides came in many varieties: slow meanderings along bike paths, heart starting efforts along picturesque Beach Road and ascending and descending hills and mountains and navigating mountain bikes along single tracks in bushland.
St Kilda has, for many years, been an active supporter of women’s cycling and were proud to support this great initiative by conducting two rides and one event.
The date coincided with the Total Rush Women’s Feature Race (conducted as part of SKCC’s Sunday Crit race Program).
In addition to the Feature race, SKCC organised two rides. Meredith Clark led a ride from Café Racer while Lisa Byrne and Alison Raaymakers led a Sunday edition of the Tuesday Breeze along the Boulie ride. Both rides finished at the Bayside Hub hosted by the Great Provider.
Both rides were well supported by St Kilda members but as the rides were welcoming to non club members, with many riders not (currently!) SKCC Club members also joining in on the rides.
For many women this was their first experience only riding in a bunch and based on some of the feedback, they’re likely to be back for more!
“I so enjoyed riding for the first time with a bunch of women. I hope to join you all again on a Tuesday”
“Meredith was the best teacher!”
Both groups experienced punctures, so some riders had the chance for an impromptu tube changing class (one on Chapel Street with cheer squad looking on!). Many learnt valuable tips such as regularly checking tyres for glass or what to do if the puncture has also slashed a hole in your tyre (good reason to keep a $5 note handy or hang onto those gel wrappers!)
The event has been considered a huge success and is set to become an annual event, so keep your eyes peeled for the 2016 edition!
SKCC sends a big thank-you to Meredith, Lisa and Alison, along with the Great Provider and the City of Port Phillip for their support on the day!