Bell Helmets working to get more women into mountain biking

PRESS RELEASE — Bell Helmets today announced an important extension to its new Joy Ride women’s program – the launch of six Joy Ride grassroots program cities, each with a dedicated female mountain bike ambassador. These ambassadors will help inspire and enable female mountain bikers with regular, structured, fun and social rides that appeal to all levels of riders where they can enjoy both challenge and camaraderie in a non-race oriented environment.

“I’m thrilled to have these six ladies representing our brand and helping us bring more women in to mountain biking. They are all involved in their local communities, incredibly passionate about mountain biking and empowering women to enjoy the sport,” said Jessica Klodnicki, Executive Vice President and
General Manager of Bell.

Bell received almost 200 applications for five coveted riding locations in the U.S. Bell selected six towns that have a growing mountain bike scene and a need for a women’s program. The Joy Ride Ambassadors for 2016 are:

Karina Magrath, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Recipient of a PMBI (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor) Level 1 coaching certification who has recently starting hosting local women’s rides
Veronique Pardee, Tucson, Arizona – Coaches a youth cycling program called El Grupo and started the women’s InSession riding program
Samantha Jones , Kansas City, Missouri – Park ranger and newly-elected president of the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club
Amber Krueger, Madison, Wisconsin – Member of Revolution Cycles Cycling Club and founder of a women’s mountain bike forum and bi-weekly ride in conjunction with IMBA and its local chapter, CORP
Missy Petty, Knoxville, Tennessee – Women’s ride leader for the Easy Rider MTB Ride with TN Valley Bikes and no-drop women’s MTB rides with Harper’s Bike Shop; active member of AMBC (Appalachian Mountain Bike Club)
Kendell Ryan, Richmond, Virginia – Member of River City Women’s Racing (RCWR) that has strong connections in the community for bike advocacy and former member of local Team LUNA Chix

Bell will bring the six ambassadors to Santa Cruz, California, in March to Joy Ride Camp. When the ambassadors go back to their local markets, they will be charged with starting monthly women’s mountain bike riding programs. Bell will provide field support including a guidebook, digital tool kits, promotional gear and budget to quickly cultivate these riding programs in their local areas.

Because Bell received so many applications from women who are already building or running women’s programs in their local area, the company was inspired to try to build the most comprehensive map that will connect existing women’s riding groups in America. Bell welcomes all women’s groups that want to be listed on the map and encourages their participation to be included. See the map and add your group here.