GO! Girls Outdoors

Have you ever wondered how you could get in touch with other women cyclists?  Ever wanted to learn how to change a flat tyre or be given some tips so you can start commuting to work? Bicycles have outsold cars in the past few years, and the evidence is out there on our streets - there are people of all ages, shapes and sizes riding everywhere!  With all these people riding, it makes sense that there should be lots of female cyclists - and now there is a way that Australian women can get in touch.

Gear up Girl is a Bicycle NSW initiative that began as a series of women only workshops in 2006 and 2007. The workshops focus on a wide range of topics such as changing a flat tyre, practical skills, commuting and road safety, stretching and injury prevention and nutrition. The Gear up Girl workshops let women take a hands-on approach and were so popular that the Gear up Girl Challenge was created in 2008. 

The Gear up Girl Challenge is a recreational cycling event for women and has proven to be extremely popular, with 850 women participating in its first year. In Sydney the event is made up of a 15km Olympic Park Loop or a 55km ride from Cronulla to Sydney Olympic Park, primarily on cycle paths.  The event is purely recreational and has been so popular that this year there will be a Gear up Girl Challenge in Canberra.  This event will include a 20km Weston Loop and a 60km Tuggeranong Loop for the more adventurous.

Gear up Girl encourages women of all ages and abilities, shapes and sizes to get out on a bike and do something positive for their health and fitness as well as something good for the environment. There are a range of events so that women of all abilities can join in, and the events attract women of all ages, from children attached to their parents’ bikes to women over 70 years old!  Gear up Girl events encourage women to get out, have a good time, experience the outdoors and get to know their bike, whether it is getting hands on experience in learning to change a tyre or participating in a non-competitive event.

So get on your bike, girl!  If you would like more information about Gear up Girl and the upcoming events, visit www.gearupgirl.com.au, email gearup@bicyclensw.org.au or call (02) 9218 5415.

Have you read the profile on Thor Egerton, Australia’s top ranked female athlete in Mountain Bike Orienteering?  If not, click here.