The Wheel Mill presents: Ride Like a Girl

New year’s resolutions are fraught with peril. By design, they set us up for failure in their all-or-nothing approach to self-betterment. The new, hip thing to do is to “set intention.” If you identify as a girl, are at least eight years old, and intend to gain some bike skills in 2019, consider taking a weekend vacation to tropical Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for Ride Like a Girl.

Not only is Pittsburgh home of Dirt Rag Headquarters, it’s also home to The Wheel Mill, our indoor bike park. From January 12-13 (with a meet-and-greet on January 11th at 7 p.m.), eight instructors will coach riders of all ages (over eight) and skill levels in mountain biking and BMX skills, and even instruction from a stationary cycling instructor.

Each day will start off with small group fundamentals with a warm-up, followed by a clinic in the morning and another in the afternoon, focusing on different skills. Riders should sign up in advance for their preferred clinics to ensure small class sizes. As if that weren’t enough of a prize in itself, there will be other, tangible prizes from sponsors (like us!) to celebrate riders’ best efforts.

There will be lessons for those who are brand new to mountain biking and BMX, for those who have some experience and want to get better, riders who are already experienced but are looking to hone their skills and gain advanced skills, and even lessons for the very experienced riders to build foundation skills and review concepts that may otherwise get lost during these winter months. Additionally, there will be pre- and post-ride yoga.

So, what exactly will you learn? Depending on your skill level, you will cover pumping, balance, jumping, manualing, line choice, logs, bringing skills together to ride dynamic trails faster, having fun and getting creative. If you are interested in checking out a stationary class this winter (or when it’s too rainy to hit the trails without wrecking them), there will also be instruction on how to fit your bike, position your body, as well as strength, conditioning, and interval training.

The cost is $85 per day or $160 for both days (plus, you get a t-shirt!). Check out their website for more information, including hotels within a mile of The Wheel Mill and the important tidbits like where to park. We had a great time last year, and are looking forward to attending again this year to see old friends, make new ones, and spend a few days honing our skills that otherwise melt away every winter.