Female mountain bike riders, no matter what their level of expertise and experience, will find a race to suit them at Chicks in the Sticks at the Scribbly Gums Redlands Track Park on August 17.
“Chicks in the Sticks focuses on participation rather than podium places,” says RATS Cycling Club treasurer Michelle Sando. “It started in 2015 to give women somewhere to develop their mountain bike riding skills before getting into the more stressful mixed male-female competition riding.
“The August event is an endurance lap race with a set course that riders will go over for three hours. For riders who find that length of time daunting, there’s the option of riding it ‘relay’ as a team of two. There are a lot of different categories; a shorter level trail for beginners and a mini-course for the Little Chicks, hence the funny names like Hard-Boiled Double Yolkers, Battery Hens (ebikes), and Clipped Wings (single speed).”
To enhance the fun element of the race, costumes are encouraged and races are likely to feature more tutus than a corps de ballet, octopus costumes, and – of course – chickens.
To ensure safety, there are roving marshals, and marshals posted along the fully-marked trails as well as professional first aid and medical support on site.
“For those who aren’t sure of their skill level, we have pre-event reconnaissance runs with coaches who will monitor and advise on the appropriate category. The club also runs affordable women’s mountain bike classes and weekly social runs,” says Michelle.
To be part of the ride and the fun, contact RATS Cycling Club by visiting www.ratscc.com.au/chicks-in-the-sticks/
