The Dirt Divas

Kit Pick Up Social

2011-06-05T23:07:00.001-06:00

Wednesday 1 June the Dirt Divas had a ride in Chimney Gulch followed by our Kit pick up Social at Golden City Brewery. A couple ladies from Singletrack and Skinny Tire Sisters joined for the ride and socialization. We laughed and shared 'dirty' stories until the Brewery kicked us out.

Christine Smith and Heather Williams enjoy the evening

What a fun time we had! The brews were a welcome treat to our senses and me-OW! Look out for that mustard with the pretzels! These kits are going to be hotter than the Red Rocks at noon when we are donning them out on the roads and trails!

Maureen Upton models some of our kit items

Thank you so much to Kaylie Hall for designing such a fabulous looking kit. Special thanks to Sugoi for giving us the pleasure of working with such fine quality material as well!

Kaylie Hall proudly displays her handiwork

Happy trails to you!

Cara

UPDATES AND GOINGS-ON!

2011-04-23T12:43:00.002-06:00

WOW! Can you believe it??!! It's almost the end of April and time for the Fruita Fat Tire Festival! Time to get your bikes tuned up and trail ready because we are ready to swing into full-gear for sure!

To recap what has been going since the last post! Three words -- busy, busy busy! whew! We have been working hard to get some really awesome sponsors on board this year and we are proud to announce that PIVOT CYCLES is promoting the Dirt Divas and has become the lead sponsor of our club and team for the 2011 season! Optic Nerve, Honey Stinger, Golden Bike Shop, OutdoorDIVAS and other great partners, both new and returning, are all on board to make this season a truly remarkable season for those who have become Dirt Divas members!

We started all the fun on March 13th with our Annual Jersey Party at OutdoorDIVAS in Cherry Creek. Over 50 wonderful ladies showed up for a great time of socializing and prize give-aways!

Check out the food spread and Christine modeling last year's kit.

Then, before you know it, it was time to head off to Moab for our Spring Moab Fling! The weatherman kept calling for rain and snow...we got WIND and more wind and a 5 min snow squall AFTER a Saturday ride. It was awesome and fun!

A little bit of JP action with some good rum and a bit of OJ -- just to keep us warm!

We had enough folks to divide our rides into a couple different groups! Obviously, quite a few of us went on the above ride, but there were about 5 others that went on a different ride!

And, why yes -- there is a bit of snow falling upon our campfire fun -- but it did nothing to dampen our spirits!

So, now we are gearing up for Fruita! Be on the look out for more commentary and pix coming your way in May!

IT'S THAT TIME TO CONSIDER RENEWING YOUR DIRT DIVAS MEMBERSHIP!

2011-03-09T19:55:00.001-07:00

It's that time again for the Annual Dirt Divas Jersey Party!

This year the Dirt Divas and the OutdoorDIVAS will be together for this fun event! Come on over and meet this year's sponsors, sign up for membership, learn more about the Divas Race Team, order your cool new jersey's, shorts etc --all by Sugoi (see below), bid on some truly stellar Silent Auction items, PLUS there will be amazing shwag given out to various lucky ticket holders.

NOT ONLY THAT, but the Outdoor Divas will provide the adult refreshments while some of the Dirt Divas will provide a "chili" sampling!

We'll see you there! (Please RSVP!)

BETA: The OutdoorDIVAS in Cherry Creek
   2717 E 3rd
   Denver, CO

   Doors open at 6pm, Festivities start at 6:30pm

THE ROAD BACK TO RECOVERY - JANUARY, 2011

2011-01-10T17:46:00.000-07:00

July 21, 2010. I suppose that I will never forget that date or ride. A simple ride. A fun ride. Down Lair o the Bear. All of a sudden my fork gives way and I’m counter-correcting, braking, and I’m down. No biggie…..right? Those who ride with me know that I can be a bit accident prone, but never really get hurt. It’s a part of mountain biking – falling, scraping your skin, getting a bit of an “owie”, getting back up on the bike and going on. But, wow! My left front side sure did take a hit and it felt rather deep. No worries. Shake it off and get the girls down the trail. And I’m running on adrenaline.

Fast forward to now – 6 months later. I am recovering from a double lacerated kidney that the emergency room doctor swore I would lose. And I had complications. For some reason, my eyesight wasn’t quite right and seemed to be getting steadily foggier and dimmer. Actually, it was almost nothing but fuzz even with glasses. What was happening to me? Diagnosis: Optic nerve damage exacerbated by cataracts induced by physical trauma. As one doctor explained it -- too long of a period of time without enough blood and oxygen in the system and the body goes into a highly protective mode to save key aspects of bodily function. In other words, it was saving my brain and my heart by removing whatever blood was left in the body and rerouting it to the two key organs needed for survival. This is the simple explanation.

But……….it was just a simple fall…………on the only friggin rock on the whole trail in that particular section. Sigh.

Although the Optic Nerve damage cannot be reversed, the eyes have had surgery and have survived – thanks to the wonderful ladies of the Dirt Divas and from the equally wonderful folks in our mountain bike community. I can see. The kidney has healed, although I have been advised by the kidney specialist that a kidney takes a full year to fully recover from the serious type of injury mine had been dealt. Wear a kidney belt for a full year. Try not to fall. Build yourself back up slowly.

I’ve gained 10 lbs in 6 months. Geesh! So, I have finally been given doctor permission to get back on a bike and back on a trainer (wasn’t even allowed on a trainer during this time!) There is snow on the ground and so I’ve finally gotten my trainer out and am starting a regimen of building up my trainer endurance. When the weather permits and it’s not too cold out (I’m a cold weather weenie), I’ll be out on the road bike. When the trails are rideable, I’ll be out on the mountain bike. It will take time to build up any type of endurance. It will be worth it! Afterall, I’ve got 10 lbs to loose and my endurance to attain in 3 shorts months. Moab and Fruita is in April/May and then our season truly starts here on the Front Range.

There is much that needs to be done to get the Dirt Divas up and active and going again. I am so thankful to all you ladies who have called and/or have come by to visit me and to encourage me – to all of you who let me know how important the Divas are to each and every one of you. So, we have much to do to get going for this wonderful new year!

Plans include:

Ø Jersey Party/Social Gathering – date TBD, but sometime around the end of February and/or 1^st part of March

Ø Dirt Divas Membership renewal letters to go out soon

Ø Dirt Divas Race Team – tentatively, a Boulder Race Team ride leader and a Denver/Golden Race Team ride leader have volunteered

Ø Many of the original sponsors and supporters of the Divas will be returning this year. There will also be some new supporters coming on board!

Ø We have several ladies who are on the Advisory Committee. We need a few more and will be requesting that those who are interested in taking part in some of the Divas functions to volunteer.

Ø We will be requesting a group of ladies to take turns with our Wednesday ride leads during the year.

Ø Kaylie Hall, designer extraordinaire, will make a few updates for our Jersey/shorts kit this year.

Ø We are discussing having opportunities to explore our Downhill side of mountain biking

Ø We have two ladies this year who will be helping with our “cross-training” road rides. I am sure that there will be ample opportunity to train for rides such as the E-Rock, Triple By-Pass, or any one of a number of organized road rides out there.

Ø We will continue to have our Destination Rides

Ø Plus, many others things going on!

Dirt Divas, I am so excited to be able to continue to offer the special discounts and opportunities that have been negotiated for you, our paid membership. And for those of you who are not paid members, by becoming a Dirt Diva member you have access to great discounts that help with bike acquisition, bike accessory purchases and clothing discounts. However, as always, our Wednesday evening mountain bike rides and our road rides will remain available to all at NO EXTRA CHARGE.

I look forward to a new year of mountain biking with you!

A little Steamboat Springs in the middle of July!

2010-07-19T23:06:00.005-06:00

We decided that it would be a very cool thing to mix things up a bit and go mountain biking somewhere a bit different -- a little off the beaten path, so to speak. We decided that instead of going to Monarch Crest or to Crusty Butt (Crested Butte) like we normally do, we'd hit the trails up near the Colorado Trail north and west from Golden.......way north and west of Golden. oh, like 3 hours north and west of Golden.

Traditionally, Steamboat Springs is a bit cooler at the higher elevation and to be honest, not one of us had ever been there to mountain bike! Can you believe that? Trails that are only a few hours away and none of us had been there in the summer. hmmmm......

So, off I went to scout out the campsites, find one sorta close in, but not; talk to a local bike shop or two to determine which trails were open, which were worth riding, skill levels needed, length of rides, any forest hazards to consider, blah, blah blah. First stop was the USFS Visitor Center in Steamboat Springs. To my surprise, several knowledgeable mountain biking rangers were right on hand to give some helpful information. After determining how to get where, off I went to secure some campsites. As I followed directions to a possible campsite that sounded like it would meet the Dirt Divas needs, all I could think was, "Dang, this is the longest friggin 3 miles I have ever driven." It was a sentiment echoed by each driver as they pulled into the campsite. However, once at the campsite, all we could talk about was the beauty.......

and the bugs....lots of bugs....actually more like mosquito type bugs and those nasty biting black flies. Apparently, Dry Lake Campground got its name from a lake nearby that "appears" to be dried up -- but not really. I don't know about the others, but I wore my insect repellent like it was the best body moisturizer ever! And I STILL got bit -- like a gazillion times. But, honestly, the beauty of the surrounding woods totally made up for anything else!

I paid for three sites, set up camp at one and got out my yellow & purple ribbons to mark "the spot" so to speak. As I was finishing up, one of my cohorts in mtb crime joined me. We finished ribbon marking the way to our campsite, made a trip into town to email everyone directions, checked out the hot springs and went back to camp -- totally excited for the weekend!

Next morning found us up and excited to explore the trails that we would be sharing with the group once they began arriving. Unbelievably, a trail head was right across from our campsite -- I mean, seriously? How lucky is that? And, what a totally fun, fast downhill trail it was. Beautiful -- flowers everywhere, with the trail winding down through the forest enchanting us with a fast swoopy downhill at that!

Then on to Emerald Mountain to explore the trails there. We had a full day of riding fun -- fast, hard riding, with lots of exploring thrown in with it! We finally got back to the campsite to welcome the first arrivals for a weekend of fun!

There were 13 of us -- all ready to ride new and unexplored territory. Luckily, we are all ladies (and gents) who are slow to rise in the morning -- except that we did have the help of the locals..........woodpeckers that is. It seems that a mother woodpecker had a baby she was feeding in a tree very close to our campsites.

Look closely and see if you can spot the baby woodpecker. So, I repeat, we had a relatively slow start to the day on Saturday. However, we were out on the trail by 10 ish and ready to roll down into town and then over to Emerald Mountain for a day of fun in the sun and shade in the tropical woods!

Video is coming, however let me tell you that the ride into town was probably one of the most eventful rides I have ever experienced!. So, to give you an idea about this fun, fast swoopy trail -- it has lots of sand on it because it is a main drainage point for melt-off in the spring. Because the trail is deceiving, one tends to pick up a bit of speed as you descend. Well, actually, quite a bit of speed. Despite the warnings given, I knew it was going to be an entertaining ride when I rounded a swoopy turn in the trail to find the rider in front of me looking totally baffled as he gazed at me. He and his bike were totally OFF trail and into the high growth beside the trail. Of course, snide remarks were exchanged. Because of the speed and sandiness of the trail, tires were sliding out on turns and there were lots of hoots and hollers as people realized that uh-oh -- bike and bushes were being introduced! At one point, we had a spectacular multi-bike pile-up caused by one person sliding out and as each biker came around that corner, each would slide into the first rider. Luckily, no one was hurt -- but it was indeed, extremely comical!

Then, on to Emerald Mountain with lots and lots of climbing. And as we climbed, the trail began to change, the air became cooler and the plants more lush. There was a definite feel of being in a tropical jungle! So enchanting -- so surreal!

Our day and ride ended with playing at the skateboard park on our bikes and a mad dash to the river to cool down after a long day in the saddle!

Sunday came all too soon! Some of our group had to leave early to get back home, another small group decided that they were going to go for an epic 25-30 mile ride on some trails that they had heard about that were about 30 miles NW of Steamboat and the rest of us decided that Rabbit Ears Pass might be a great place to explore!

So off we went -- all in different directions. For our group, it was a stop at Dumont Lake Campground with a discovery ride of the Continental Trail. We rode 11 - 12 miles round trip, with a real desire to just continue down into the town of Steamboat. However, that would be a ride requiring a shuttle back to our vehicles (or a climb back UP everything that we descended) which none of us had prepared for. However, even as it was, we were greeted by amazing beauty and climbed our way up to an elevation of about 10,900.

A ride through flowers.....

and a surprise run-in with a snowmobile on the trail....

Some stream crossings....

Some reconnoitering...

Some gorgeous vistas......

And, a little show of girl power strength.........

The fun and the riding ended all too soon! Hopefully, we'll be able to fit in a trip to Durango/Phil's World before the summer ends.....

Come for a Ride and PICK UP your Dirt Divas Jerseys/Kits!

2010-06-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

Date:	Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time:	11:00am - 5:00pm
Location:	Chimney Gulch and GCB

Please meet at Clear Creek History Park at Cheyenne/11th St. in downtown Golden. We will take the Clear Creek path to the Chimney Gulch trailhead. Wheels down at 11, arrive around 10:45.

After the ride, we will head to Golden City Brewery for apres ride drinks and food. Qdoba will be delivered to GCB at 2:30. There will be a small charge for the food to be delivered, so please bring some cash!

Jerseys and race kits will be available for pick up!

Even if you cannot make the ride, come on out and socialize with other Dirt Divas and enjoy the Summer weather. We expect to be done with our ride and at GCB, sometime after 2pm.

A Social Event for the Dirt Divas!

2010-05-17T13:03:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the 2010 Mountain Biking Season!

You are invited to the Dirt Divas Kickoff Party 2010 - It's going to be an exciting year and we'd like to start it off right!

Where: Ironworks, 12354 W Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood

When: Thursday, May 27, 5 - 9

Who: All Dirt Divas and their friends

What: We are having a party to get the season started! We will be hosting our current sponsors, as well as, the possibility of new ones! Optic Nerve will be there to show off their sunglasses and provide us with a discount. Plus, come by and meet two new sponsors: Pivot Cycles and Full Cycle Bike Shop. If the weather permits, we have reserved the back patio. Otherwise, we'll have a space reserved especially for the Dirt Divas inside. We'd love to hear if you are going to make it out.

Come get to know one another, have fun, and let's enjoy the mountain biking season!

Please RSVP to dirtdivasmtb@gmail.com

OUR RIDES BEGIN!

2010-05-07T11:24:00.002-06:00

Ok Ladies!

We are taking that giant leap of faith that the weather will begin to cooperate for our evening rides! Moab and Fruita were spectacular and I don't know about all of you, but I'm jonesin to get on my bike and begin building up my ability to be able to actually BREATHE while pedaling my bike uphill!   :)

MONDAY, May 10th is our Road Ride for all of you who have been asking for this (and for those of you who haven't, but would like to just get out on a bike):

WHERE: Meet at the Rooney Rd lot for Green Mtn at 5:30 pm   Wheels down at 5:45.

WHEN:   Monday, May 10th at 5:30 pm   Wheels down at 5:45.

WHAT: Road Ride -- all levels, no drops. Variable speed, variable miles (all dependent on all of you who ride). Ride length can be anywhere from 12 miles to more if wanted. See below for what to bring.

We will be riding from the N. Rooney Road lot and going up and over Dinosaur Ridge, dropping onto the road and then going up the Frontage Road up to Genessee. We will come back down and with a couple of options for those who would like options: 1) hit Mother Cabrini Shrine 2) go into Red Rocks and climb up to the Amphitheater 3) Go back to the parking lot. We can make this ride as short or as long as needed based upon weather and abilities.

WEDNESDAY, May 12th SOCIAL MTB RIDE! We'll start out easy for our first ride of the season! Remember: all levels, no drops! For the faster more experienced rider, this will be a good training ride for the BetiBikeBash coming up in June!

WHERE: Bear Creek Lake Park. Meet at the dirt parking lot across from the Conoco Station at the corner of Morrison Rd/Rooney Rd.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30 pm. Wheels down at 5:45 pm

WHAT: MTB ride: Please bring with:

* HELMET
* water
* energy bars/gels
* appropriate clothing: rain/wind jkt, layers, gloves
* WORKING bike
* extra tube, patch kit, pump, levers
* Positive attitude and a HUGE smile! :)

Dirt Divas & Friends in Fruita for the Fat Tire Festival!

2010-04-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year when we are gearing up for a wonderful summer of riding. We just got back from Moab and are now getting ready to head out to Fruita!

This year, we are teaming up with Full Cycle Bike Shop in Boulder and with Giant Bikes for a weekend of free camping and campfire hijinks!

RSVP is required because of our free camping through Giant Bikes!

So, here's the skinny:

DATE: April 29 - May 2 (you can come any of those days)

WHERE: Fruita, CO (camping around the Mary's Loop trailhead)

WHAT: Fruita Fat Tire Festival -- Dirt Divas & Friends Destination Ride

-- Dirt Divas Clinic with Zach Griffith (Saturday) option.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE CLINIC WITH ZACH!!
If we have 10 ladies WHO ARE PAID DIRT DIVAS MEMBERS signed up for Saturday the cost will be $100 for the day. If you are NOT a paid member, the clinic will be significantly higher.

RSVP to: dirtdivasmtb@gmail.com by MONDAY, April 26, 2010!

SPRING FLING IN Moab! RSVP now!

2010-03-29T11:23:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!

It's that time of year again when we start thinking about getting to Moab and having a bit of mountain biking fun! Mark your calendars for April 15 - 18 and get your bikes ready!

RSVP at: events@thedirtdivas.com.

We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have! We look forward to seeing you there!

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR DIRT DIVAS BIKE WEAR!!!

2010-03-16T22:56:00.001-06:00

CALLING ALL DIRT DIVAS!

This Saturday is the LAST DAY to try out sizes and order our really awesome, edgy and new Dirt Divas Bike Wear. We have more choices than ever this year and encourage every woman who rides the trails with the Dirt Divas to help support our efforts to raise funds (remember that we are in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 non profit organization) and awareness of our organization while we are out on the trails.

Come on by, meet some of the Dirt Divas Board members and "learn" about the Dirt Divas! Remember, the "kits" are not just for the Race Team! Proudly wear the Dirt Divas gear and proclaim to the boys that we are the gals who love the dirt! WOOT!

However, to offer you what you have asked for, we must meet our minimum order requirements and are only halfway there, so please do stop by on Saturday. We have worked hard not only to bring you what you have asked for, but to offer you the support that a premier club of social mountain bike women riders can come to expect!

You can check out the new gear images on www.thedirtdivas.blogspot.com, our website or on our Dirt Divas Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thedirtdivas (the Dirt Divas photo album). Although we would love to post our prices for all of you to see, we are unable to advertise in such a manner. However, we are offering all Dirt Divas bike wear at significant discounts not found in any store! It's easy: Become a member of the Dirt Divas and get not only your bike gear discount, but other stellar offers as well! (Or, just order the gear (still at a discount) and be proud to sport the Dirt Divas gear!)

Come on by Pedal Pushers Cyclery in Golden on Saturday and support your local women's mountain bike club. We aren't a race team, we are your social riding club who happens to be able to give those interested in racing the ability to race if they want. See ya there! woohoo! It's almost riding time!!!

WHERE: Pedal Pushers Cyclery
2401 Ford Street
Golden, CO 80401

WHEN: MARCH 20th, 2010
11 am until 5 pm

WHAT: DIRT DIVAS BIKE WEAR TRY-ON

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON TWITTER -- @thedirtdivas

Dirt Divas 2010 Race Team

2010-03-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

The Dirt Divas Race Team is looking for new members!

We are welcoming all levels of team members, even those who have never raced. Experienced racers can challenge themselves with a fun group. New racers can test the waters of racing in supportive, friendly company.

A race team meeting is scheduled for March 11, 6:00pm at Pedal Pushers Cyclery in Golden. This meeting is being held to get organized and to give you a chance to ask questions and meet other Divas. There will also be sample sizes to try on for the jerseys and shorts. The meeting is open to everyone who is considering joining the team.

To be on the Dirt Divas race team all you need is an active Dirt Diva membership ($40/year) and a team jersey to wear at the races. We encourage full kits, but it is not mandatory.

There will be at least two teams. The A team is for those who can commit to do most of the Winter Park Series. The goal is the get as many team points as possible, so your team mates will be counting on you to attend most or all of the races. The B team is for the more casual racer who is not sure how many races they want to do or for those who are new and may not know if they like to race.

We plan to have weekly training rides, offer special training sessions and create a supportive environment at races pre and post race. We're hoping to get a tent so we can have a home base at the race sites, including our wonderful team mechanic. Of course Nancy is usually there making sure everyone is okay and cheering on the Divas who make it to the podium.

So come one, come all of you beautiful Divas! Be part of a great team and get what you want out of it, whether it's having fun or pushing your limits.

For more information, or to express interest please join us at the meeting on March 11 or email dirtdivasrace@gmail.com.

JettMTB Jersey Design for the All Mtn Feel.....

2010-02-23T22:46:00.001-07:00

CHECK OUT THE NEW STUFF FOR THE DIRT DIVAS!

2010-02-21T21:45:00.001-07:00

OUR HUGE, GIGANTIC THANKS TO KAYLE HALL FOR ALL HER WORK, TIME AND EFFORT IN MAKING SURE THAT THE Dirt Divas WILL BE HITTING THE TRAILS IN EDGY Mountain Bike Wear!

Dirt Divas Jersey Party (and Social Gathering)

2010-02-07T23:04:00.006-07:00

Email all RSVP's to: dirtdivasmtb@gmail.com

Ladies -- If you plan to order the Sugoi RS Pro short, please come to the party already knowing what size short you wear -- THERE ARE NO RETURNS ON SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS! Sugoi will have their jersey's available to try-on for sizing. JettMTB will also have their jerseys and shorts available for fit sizing. There will be a 5% processing fee added to all credit card orders.

2010 DIRT DIVAS Member Benefits!

2010-02-04T09:08:00.005-07:00

Hello Ladies!

You’ve been patiently waiting to hear what your Dirt Divas membership will get you…

25% off suggested retail plus free freight for Optic Nerve eyewear. Optic Nerve offers technologically advanced, super-cool eyewear at very reasonable prices, and they’re local! Optic Nerve eyewear is tested by and for Colorado athletes like the Dirt Divas! Divas can order online with a special discount code.

Our jersey design has seen a radically beautiful transformation this year! Custom Sugoi kits will be available to Dirt Divas members at significant discounts off retail. This year’s kit includes Sugoi’s RS short, an ultra high-performance roadie-style short; short sleeved or sleeveless Evolution jersey; racer-back jersey; sports bra; arm warmers; and knee warmers, all custom designed just for the Dirt Divas. Our new jersey and shorts design is absolutely divine!

For riders who prefer baggy shorts and more casual jerseys, Jett MTB Clothing is offering an exclusive Dirt Divas mountain bike style kit! The baggies proudly show off our Dirt Divas logo embroidered on the leg, and jerseys are available as short-sleeved or sleeveless. Members receive a significant discount on the Dirt Divas kit. But wait… there’s more! All clothing orders done thru Nancy Kelly are at an amazing discount. It’s a killer deal on highly functional and flattering clothing from yet another awesome local company!

Golden Bike Shop is offering a 15% discount on accessories and 10% off of a bike purchase. Check out this year’s selection of bikes from Salsa, Ellsworth, Pivot, Lenz Sport, Chumba, Intense, Niner and Santa Cruz (to name just a few of their awesome lines)! Everything you need to get you out on the trail is right here at Golden Bike Shop!

But wait… there’s more!! Pedal Pushers Cyclery is offering the Divas a stellar discount on bikes and accessories. Pedal Pushers will also offer bike maintenance clinics (check the Divas website for info!). Pedal Pusher’s bike lines include the uber-sexy Orbea, plus Kona, Ibis, Transition and Steamboat’s own Moots. Pedal Pushers also offers DH bikes for ladies who crave gravity-assisted mountain biking.

Diva to Diva – Outdoor Divas (Boulder and Cherry Creek) are giving the Dirt Divas 15% off all merchandise (not just bike gear!). Discounts apply in-store or online (w/ special promo code).

The bike’s gotta have love too. Jason Gardner of Jinji Cycles Service is a USA Cycling Certified Mechanic offering heavily discounted mechanical service for Dirt Divas members. Jason’s philosophy is simple – he offers customized tunes, doing what needs to be done to make your bike fully functional and safe. Cookie cutter tunes can’t match this kind of specialized attention! Member rates are $35/hr; non-members pay $50/hr. Jason will also attend many Dirt Divas rides where he will provide complimentary pre-ride bike checkups!

Stuck in a skills rut? Get unstuck this year! Master the skills with Zach Griffith’s mountain bike skills clinics. Zach’s clinics are offered at $50/hr for Dirt Divas members and will be available throughout the season. http://www.mountainbikeskills.net/index.html Zach is a pro DH mtn biker and has coached several of the local Mtn States Cups and DH racers in the area. Zach is just getting started in the coaching area – and he really knows his stuff so check him out. He will be offering a MTB skills weekend clinic for the Divas in Fruita over the Fat Tire Festival weekend and a DH weekend clinic at Sol Vista coming in the summer.

Get your chi flowing again with Tina Laue and her therapeutic acupuncture treatments, offered at a 10% discount for Dirt Divas members. Not so sure you want acupuncture? She also is specialized in Chinese Herbs (she has some stuff that aides the body is dissipating bruising that works almost overnight! I know this one for a fact!) http://www.goodneedles.com

Rejuvenate your muscles with a sports massage by Elizabeth Schnell, Sports Massage Therapist. 10% off for Dirt Divas members. Sports Massage Therapy has been proven to reduce injury in athletes for years. It also helps perpetuate a quicker healing process. http://www.cornerstonewellness.us/?page_id=2

For delicious trailside munchies and energy boosting goodness, enjoy Honey Stinger products at tremendous pricing. Dirt Divas members can order Honey Stinger products online with a special Dirt Divas promo code.

And yes, there’s beer at the end of the day… Golden City Brewery is giving the Dirt Divas TWO kegs for our parties, and post-ride libations on Dirt Divas trips.

Many more sponsorships are in the works! The Dirt Divas are a brand new nonprofit organization and we’re working hard to bring more sponsors on board. We’ll announce these new partnerships soon – look for these announcements on the website and on Facebook! Diva members can also expect email notification as new sponsors come on board.

The Dirt Divas are proud to work in cooperation with COMBA (the Colorado Mountain Bike Association) to keep Colorado mountain-bike friendly. We offer several trail building/trail maintenance and other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Keep in mind that Dirt Divas rides are always free and open to anyone, but these discounts and benefits are exclusively for our members.

KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED!

2010-01-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Several of you have been wondering what a membership with the Dirt Divas will entitle you to -- this will be posted on Facebook and on this blog plus sent to all of you within the next few days. :)

Also, please mark your calendars for FEBRUARY 25, 2009 for our annual Jersey Party. This year, since we are a in the process of becoming a 501(c)3 -- we are celebrating with a brand NEW design -- totally different from anything that we have done before! AND, we will be offering not only our logo embroidered baggy shorts from JettMTB, but custom SUGOI jerseys and Road Shorts -- think the RS short by Sugoi at a significant discount if you are a Divas member!

You all asked for them -- you are getting them! woohoo!

So -- MARK YOUR CALENDARS, BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK, CREDIT CARD OR CASH AND BE PREPARED TO P A R T A Y! :)

(There will be free food and libations -- and did I mention swag?)

2010-01-18T20:48:00.004-07:00

Announcing the NEW Dirt Divas Membership Program!

The Dirt Divas have a new look.....as well as a lot more to offer you mountain biking ladies!

What's new with the Dirt Divas?

After operating as a loose-knit social ride club for over 5 years, the leadership team of the Dirt Divas decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organziation run totally on volunteer effort. A Board of Directors was established and Dirt Divas founder Nancy Kelly was officially appointed President. The Board determined that the Dirt Divas needed to institute a small yearly membership fee to keep the organization running as a social ride club.

What's in it for me?

Discounts, discounts, discounts -- exclusively for the Dirt Divas Members!

Custom-printed logo-wear from Sugoi and JettMTB with our new look!
Mountain biking adventures -- trips to Moab, Fruita, Crested Butte and other mountain biking havens!
Dirt Divas discounts on Clinics for all levels of mountain bikers from beginner to racer -- Learn how to ride with CONFIDENCE!
Local shop discounts off accessories, service and on select mountain bikes!
US Cycling certified Mechanic dedicated to helping the Divas ride without worry!
Race Team -- have access to joining the Dirt Divas Race Team and experience the thrill of competition!
Plus Sponsor discounts on brand name products and lots more!

What will my dues support?

As a member of the Dirt Divas, you are supporting the sport you love -- and for just $40 per year, you are financially providing a way for the Dirt Divas to:

continue offering mountain bike (and road) riding opportunities in a social, non-threatening, encouraging and fun atmosphere for women, by women
collaborate with other organizations such as COMBA
provide discounts on bike clothing, accessories, bike maintenance and more
obtain sponsors and support for Dirt Divas activities
be kept abreast of local advocacy issues, such as trail access
encourage awareness of trail maintenance and trail building opportunities through Jefferson County, COMBA, IMBA and the Colorado Trail Foundation

How do I join?

You can join on this blog page or by going to the Dirt Divas website (link on this page), click the "Donate" button and indicate that you're submitting your 2010 membership dues!

Remember...

Weekly rides are still free!

However, joining the Dirt Divas means you become a member of an elite group! We are Colorado's only women's mountain biking nonprofit organization, which offers social and destination rides -- along with camaraderie, fun, laughs and skill development! We'd LOVE for you to join us in the FUN!

Mark your calendars for our Jersey Party on Thursday, February 25th, 2010! Free swag, free food, free beer and wine! Meet some of our sponsors. Not only that, but this will be the only opportunity members will have to ORDER Sugoi and JettMTB Divas ride-wear at member prices!

DIVAS HEADING IN A NEW DIRECTION!

2009-12-14T13:21:00.003-07:00

The Holidays are almost upon us! I cannot believe that this year is almost over and a new one will soon be ushered in! 2010 here we come! woohoo!

Along with a new year, the Dirt Divas will be undergoing a few changes for this new year of 2010! Divas will need VOLUNTEERS and will be announcing the needs soon, so be thinking about things you may want to consider!

Let me outline a few of these changes that will be occurring in the 2010 ride season:

Dirt Divas will soon be a NON-PROFIT organization. The new Leadership Team has voted to begin the process and most of these ladies will be the first Directors of the Board! We have finally written up our Articles of Incorporation, which will be ratified, signed and filed in January, 2010! Work will then be aimed toward writing the Corporate By-Laws, grant acquisition, sponsor acquisition, etc.

Dirt Divas will be charging a yearly "membership dues". There will be perks for becoming a member of the Divas -- special discounts and services that only those who are members can receive. However, for those who DO NOT WANT or NEED discounts or services for their biking needs and only want to catch the local social rides -- these social rides will continue free to all who would like to participate.

Road Rides are being added. Jarmila Gorman, an accomplished roadie and instructor (Race Across America participant, spin class instructor and Trainer, etc) will be leading our social road rides on Mondays. As always, our rides are ALL LEVELS -- NO DROPS!

Our mountain bike rides will continue on Wednesdays. We will add "ride leaders" especially for those who are just getting into the sport of mountain biking or who like to ride at an easier pace without attention to a lot of technical. The faster, more technical, ladies will also be able to join us this year and "hit the trails" with those who like to ride that way. For those who are moderate climbers and love the downhill -- we'll have ride leaders for you too! ALL of us will be able to ride together at our own paces and still have that sense of community and fun!

Dirt Divas will again have their JERSEY PARTY the end of February/1st part of March. This year, we are hoping to change things up for those of you who have requested such changes! We are looking at a local company for jerseys in 2010 whose "sizing" will be more "American" and more female specific, as well as changing the color of the jersey! We are investigating adding the following items for special order:

"roadie" lycra shorts -- custom
custom arm/knee/leg warmers
long-sleeved jersey or jacket
logo socks
logo hoodie
revamped Divas t-shirt in different styles and colors
JettMTB mountain biking shorts with our logo embroidered on them. (Sizing is now based on The Gap fit chart: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 12)

Dirt Divas Race Team will be coordinated and managed differently in 2010 (read "better").

Trail Building/maintenance opportunities through COMBA, IMBA and other associations devoted to this.

Possible Divas chapter starting up in Durango -- which opens all sorts of possibilities there as well!

And these are just a few of the exciting new changes we are anticipating for the new year! We are excited about how we are growing and what we can offer our ladies who just love to get their ride on!

FUN TIMES for the Dirt Divas!

2009-11-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

All I can say is, "WOW"!! I mean seriously!! WOW!

Typically, we Dirt Divas end our summer of mountain biking with a season Finale in Moab and a smaller Fruita ride for those not able to attend Moab. This year was a tad bit different! We had TWO (count them, TWO) big end of season finale's this year with both events attended with awesome peeps!

Although, we will still try to get some riding in as we can here on the Front Range, it will be catch as catch can. However, we celebrated our awesome year of mountain biking with the help of Single Track Factory, Yeti Cycles, Optic Nerve Sunglasses, Honey Stingers, Golden City Brewery and Shad Dirks (Excellent homebrew) and shuttling help from Over the Edge Sports in Fruita and The Bike Shop in Grand Junction! Keith, Timoni and all you guys totally freakin' ROCK!

They say pictures tell the story in the loudest words, so I am going to post some pictures of our fun time in Moab and Fruita. However, suffice it to say that there was plenty of libations, laughter, fun, dancing, hula hooping, campfire toasts, s'mores, talk and most importantly -- mountain bike riding!

So, sit back and enjoy but be sure mark your calendars for next Spring -- when we do it all again!

MOAB

Friday, October 9, 2009 -- a small group of us got to Moab early and decided to take advantage of the weather and check out Baby Steps. The sand was grueling, but everything else was totally well worth the battle with the sand!

A well-deserved break!

The Friday night festivities...

And then we are off to Amassa Back for our Saturday ride!

At the top -- nothing but bikes and views!

Then Saturday night fun by the fire after a stunning ride back down Amassa Back! wooooo....

Hula Hoop time!

And chatting....

And dancing by the firelight!

Good Night Mr. Moon!

Day three saw a hazy, chilly Sunday and a caravan drive to Barlett's Wash!

It was so awesome to see everyone on their bikes and riding together, companionably chatting in anticipation of the fun to come.....

riding on nothing but slickrock!

We found these really cool holes in the rock -- big enough to sit in! So, of course, we had to put down our bikes, scramble to find a hole that fit our sitz bones and then play "YMCA"!! Awesome group shot don't cha think?

We take a week-end off, and then we are on our way to Fruita! We camp in Loma -- such a picturesque camping area.....

Thursday night -- before everyone gets there on Friday!

And on Friday, we were doing a warm up ride over at the Kokopelli Trailhead -- Mary's Loop, here we come!

And, of course, we have to have a sprained ankle -- just to liven things up a bit!

We are joined by Yeti Cycles (Joe Hendrickson and Phil Cramer) who were kind enough to bring some cool 2010 575's and ASR 7's for us to play on!

Saturday saw us on the trail in Rabbit Valley doing Zion Curtain -- what a simply beautiful ride!

And, of course, there is always time for silly photo ops! You go, girl!

If you look really hard, you can see a group of Divas off in the distance getting their picture taken, while I'm taking a picture of a picture being taken.....

Single Track Factory provided the food for our Saturday night cook-out. There was beer provided by Golden City Brewery and by Shad Dirks (who brought his special made home-brew just for us Divas!)

AND, there was Optic Nerve schwag given away (think, sunglasses, goggles, hoody, t's and discount coupons)!

Oh, YEAH, Baby!

Sunday saw us shuttling (a BIG thanks to Keith and his crew from The Bike Shop in Grand Junction and Timoni from Over the Edge Sports in Fruita for the use of their vans and trailer) up to the Ribbon and flying down (video to be found on our FaceBook page courtesy of almost Diva, Trevor!) We then broke up into several groups depending on riding style and technical abilities (Again, thank you Keith, Timoni and crew for leading our Lunch Loop rides!). Other trails ridden: Free Lunch, Holy Cross, Lemon Squeezer, Widow Maker, Gunny Loop and a few others...

Home was just a snowy drive away........

WP - King of the Rockies

2009-09-01T13:24:00.000-06:00

The Winter Park MTB racing series came to end this past weekend. It was an exciting race to say the least. King of the Rockies, 25.8 miles with total climbing of 4,011 feet. But there were lots of fun descents as well.
We finished on the newly relocated Serenity Trail. Serenity is a trail that was just rerouted above some private land and now joins in with Green World (which is part of the WP resort trail system.) Lucky for us this new reroute added bonus climbing:) Nothing like more climbing at the end of a 25 mile race.
The weather was great. Not too hot, but not cold either. Could not ask for a better ending.

It was a fun season that is for sure. Dirt Divas ended the season in 9th place out of 43 teams. I think that is a pretty darn good finishing.

Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer us on this season. It meant alot.

Pedal Pedal Pedal

A Monarch Crest Weekend!

2009-08-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

Hey, there's a group from Adventure Cycling going up to Monarch Crest this coming weekend. Why don't you think about going?

Hmmmm.....a trip to Monarch Crest. I have never mountain biked up there although I have always wanted to do so; have always been told how spectacular the ride is and how phenomenal the views are. I have to admit at being a little cautious. How advanced were these riders? How fast do they climb? Would they tolerate a slooooow climber like myself? Would I be able to breathe? (Dang, I really detest this breathing issue I have...) Ahhh.. so many questions. However, I decided I was NOT going to let my "performance" concerns get in the way of what could potentially be one spectacular weekend of riding and meeting new people. After all, my friends from Yeti would be there as well as my new friend who had invited me.

Ok, SOLD! I'm going!

Up 285 to Salida with a side stop at Absolute Bike Shop. I had always wanted to stop in there since I had heard so many good things about that place. Met Jim, the mayor of Salida who happens to work at the shop when he isn't mayoring -- way cool dude! And my friend, Big Joe, just happened to be there as well. Sweet! I'm liking this trip already!

So, off we go to the campsite to set up camp. The spot was down by the river and so wonderfully woodsy and damp, giving a false sense of privacy. The muted roar of water over rocks actually gave a good "white noise" effect from the traffic up on the highway overlooking the camping area. The evening was spent setting up camp, cooking dinner and socializing by the campfire with a swig or three of Joe's "doctor" (his famous scotch).

Next morning saw us up and caravaning to the shuttle service that would take us up to Monarch Crest!

Actually, it took two full vans to get us up to the top and then another half hour getting it together. Thankfully, Joe was there to fix my brakes which were rubbing due to a slightly bent rotor. And then off we went!

I was suitably impressed! Not only with the scenery, which was breathtaking, but with the caliber of riders I was with. The group was broken down into three barely definable sub-groups of wickedly fast, sorta fast and snail-fast. It assuaged my ego to say that I was comfortably in the sorta fast group -- once my lungs decided they were going to work, that is! I did always seem to be looking at the "man-ass" of the wickedly fast....well, maybe not "looking" directly at the "man-ass" -- sorta viewing it from afar would be a fairer description.....
It definitely looks different from this distance!

However, we all finally got to a resting place and the obligatory photo-op's were met...

Me and Big Joe....

Yes, I really did make it!

And then, after a sweet downhill there was more climbing to above tree-line! Where was everyone? The wickedly fast group was long gone and here I was just steadily pedaling, pedaling and looking at such breath-taking beauty! So was everyone -- all of us just cruising our way along the Continental Divide Trail.

We then reconvened at the Silver Creek Trailhead. No pictures were taken for the rest of the day one ride (except of my legs/feet, which I will spare you -- however, I will say that there was quite a line of demarcation between the legs and the feet!) The downhill was exceptional and had it all: dirt, rocks, roots, small drops, scree, loose crap, water -- stellar! However, after 34 miles we opted not to tackle Rainbow Trail, but headed back to the cars!

After another evening of campfire fun, the next day we headed back up to the Monarch Crest Trail. It had been determined that we would do a shorter version of the ride with a sweet downhill called Foose's Creek Trail. The head of this trail was steep, loose and more than a bit of a challenge. After watching our wickedly fast boys attempt the first few feet of descent (and seeing a couple of spectacular endos), the rest of us made the "manly" decision to walk our bikes down and even THAT was somewhat of a challenge!

However, the rest of the ride made everything well worth it! Fast, flowy, roots, rocks, huge dips, mini-creek crossings, a wrong turn thrown in, a couple of foot bridges....sigh! I don't think I have smiled so BIG....

We all gathered at the end of the single track to chat, brag, snack and discuss the route taken from there.

And, we still had some more downhill to do (whoop!) albeit on the road, but still! Ended up almost back to the camp when my tube blew -- but Joe was there to help with the tube change and advise on why I should go tubeless (which I totally will do since I keep getting these silly pinch flats! grrrr....).

Of course, the comment when I finally got back to camp was: "It was so cool your tube blew -- it meant that we could finally catch up and pass you!" phfffft! WhatEV-er!

Regardless, this was a ride I would never have wanted to miss!! New friends were made and new trail (for me) discovered! I'm thinking that this will be a perfect trip next year for the Divas! Thank you Adventure Cycling for allowing me to tag along!

Flowers and Ribbons - Crested Butte

2009-08-09T23:35:00.000-06:00

Once again ... if you considered coming to Crested Butte for the weekend ... and you decided not to ... WELL ... you missed it ... and we missed you! The 401 Trail warrants a centerfold in Dirt Rag magazine! Wow. Wow. Wow.

(Excerpt taken from my own personal blog - I wanted to share with the group!).

Crested Butte - Colorado

Falling in love ... over and over.

How much can somebody love where they live? This state amazes me. Crested Butte is absolutely beautiful. This weekend was a "Dirt Diva" weekend.

We camped in the middle of no-where ... the new Honda Pilot went camping ... she got filthy ... she crossed streams ... she did some light 4x4ing ... and she's only 5 days old today!

The cows ... there were cows everywhere where we camped ... cow herds! They weren't fenced off. They were in the road ... in the streams ... in the woods. I kept thinking ... what a cool spot for a Chick-Fil-A commercial. They OWNED the place. We were awoken this morning at 6:45A.M. by a big head pushing/sniffing down the entire length of the tent. I thought it was a bear - FOR SURE - then there through the back window I see a BIG cow ass walking by ... she scared me to death! (Dear Lord, I'm afraid of cows now ... I need "cow mace" too).

The mountain biking was STELLAR. I'm thinking the 401 Trail is officially my 2nd favorite trail in Colorado (behind the Monarch Crest trail). The weather was PERFECT.

The road biking was sweet too. We biked from Crested Butte toward Gunnison. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Post-ride picnic was pretty sweet too.

A Sunday Ride...

2009-08-03T09:52:00.000-06:00

It's Sunday. The morning is already warm, bright, sunny and delectably beautiful! What a magnificent change from the cold, damp, mood dampening weather we have been having. It was a day for "me time". A ride that was my ride. To go as fast as I wanted; or, as slow as I wanted. To ponder, reflect and view life from a deeper perspective. It has been a long while since I have even wanted to commune with nature on this level -- life had handed me a bowl of gruel that had left me empty and directionless...lost, as it were.

So, I headed off to Centennial Cone. It was the "even day" -- bike day. Not surprisingly, the upper parking lot was full and overflowing. Many folk had the idea to get out of the heat, head up to a higher elevation and hopefully enjoy a cooler ride. A ride that promised not to disappoint!

I decided to ride the trail clockwise. To take the "jeep trail" as I like to call it, to the 1st gate. A gentle climb -- serene... Once I get to the gate, I take a look back from whence I came

and, a look forward to the path ahead...

For some reason, this ride seems much easier than the last time I rode this. I'm sure it had to do with mind-set -- the emotional and mental place that I occupied before was radically different than what I now occupy. Refreshing....

So, I continued upon my way, reflecting on the beauty around me. Ultimately, surprised and relieved that so far, trail traffic was minimal. The flowers continue to bloom in profusion, litering the landscape with their golden heads or white crowns atop a prickly stem with a bonnie blue-bell showing up for contrast.

Up and up I go, around switchbacks, through shaded (and substantially cooler) areas of trail and back down, then up, around and back down. Ironically, the trail description shows no elevation gain. I remember trying to explain to a dude who had emailed me for trail information, that "no elevation gain" did not mean "no climbing". He was looking for an "easy" trail for his "first-timer" girlfriend and I was encouraging him to take her to a "beginner" type trail -- like Bear Creek. He would have no part of that. I think about him now and wonder how that particular ride went.

At the faux top of the trail, I stop for a breath-taking view, amazed once again at the beauty that greets my eyes and the verdent green of the hillsides. The heat tells me that this is August. However, the countryside tells me that what I am experiencing is a rarity -- that this beauty happens maybe only a few times in the Colorado lifetime. We are a high-plains desert. Green in August isn't quite the norm; but I'll take it -- exquisite!

Buffalo Creek Trail Building Week-end!

2009-07-10T09:12:00.000-06:00

Help COMBA build a new mountain bike trail on July 18th and 19th!

Because of the tremendous energy and enthusiasm our volunteers displayed on our first build weekend in May, we took a big first step towards building a new "black diamond" level mountain bike trail in the Buffalo Creek area of the Pike National Forest. On July 18th and 19th we will take the next step to creating a community built mountain bike trail with advanced features like drops, steep rollers, wall rides and other technical problems which utlize the unique local terrain found in Buffalo Creek. Alternate lines will be built around the advanced features to make the trail accessible to a wide audience of experienced mountain bikers.

Our July 18th-19th build weekend will focus on completely new terrain and features. We will move up the ridgeline where we will create our first significant drop and the accompanying singletrack route-around. Continuing our work uphill we will establish routes down significant sections of granite slickrock. For those excited about rock work, there will still be plenty of rocks to move, but overall we will be in quicker trail building territory on our July weekend.

This incredible opportunity to build a new advanced trail on public land is a product of over 12 years of effort, but the project will not succeed without your help.

Please join us as a volunteer or volunteer crew leader by RSVP'ing to our trail building weekend at: http://go.imba.com/site/Calendar/181312933?view=Detail&id=104641

For more information about this new trail please visit: http://www.comba.org/build/current/bcbd

WP XC Super Loop – Race 2

2009-06-29T12:08:00.001-06:00

When we arrived at the parking lot around 9am, it was a bit overcast and chilly. We unloaded the bikes, did a few last minutes adjustments and contemplated the clothing selection for the day – arm warmers, jackets, short finger or long finger gloves? We finally decided that the race itself would warm us up and no additional layers would be necessary. With that heavy decision out of the way, we headed to the starting area.

Two hours of non-stop, heart pounding racing – uphill, downhill, uphill, uphill,… The trail consisted of several muddy sections, slippery wet roots and an icy cold creek crossing (which we were advised to walk and not attempt to ride through).
The race finished on a short fun new single track section - Green World to Road to Nowhere. From there we were dropped out next to the railroad tracks, where we put it in a big gear and hammered home.

Steph was in first place, leading the sport women for almost half the race. Unfortunately, she had a mishap which screwed up her rear derailleur and broke her chain. She was a great team player though, cheering the rest of us on at just about every intersection she could coast to.

We had two riders on the podium for their age groups and category. Way to go Dirt Divas!

Dirt Divas (Team A) currently sits in 15th place out of 40 total teams.

Check it out at www.epicsingletrack.com

Until next race, pedal pedal pedal
(Micki Harris)

PSA: Mountain Lions sighted near Trails

2009-06-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

Just an FYI -- This is NOT something to be overly concerned about! There have been mtn lions sited at White Ranch, Lair o the Bear, Golden Gate, Alderfer/3 Sisters, Bergen Park, Apex, Mt. Falcon -- well, essentially at all our mountain biking trails.

Anytime that you go out riding, you must always be aware of the fact that there will be, not only deer, but other wildlife out as well. This IS Colorado and we DO live in the Front Range! That being said, there are a few thoughts to keep in mind when riding on the Front Range trails:

--- Ride in small groups when you can
--- Mtn Lions roam/hunt mostly at dusk or at dawn
--- If you run into a mtn lion on the trail, do NOT make eye contact.
--- Put your bike between you and the lion
--- Make yourself appear bigger than what you are (i.e. lift your bike up)
--- Make no sudden movements that will make you appear like the mouse your cat likes to play with
--- Do NOT run -- they will chase you!
--- There is debate on whether loud noises will scare the lion away or not....

That being said, just always be aware of your surroundings. There has not been a reported incident of a mtn lion attack on a mtn biker for many years and the one I remember was on a lone mtn biker over by Deer Creek Canyon probably about 10 years ago.

Thanks, everyone! If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to give me a shout out!

WP Hill Climb - Race 1

2009-06-20T14:55:00.000-06:00

I think the hill climb is a great way to start the season. Especially if you have never raced before. Not as many people show up for this race (go figure) so it is a little more low key, but at the same time you get to experience a race day.

There was a good turnout of Dirt Divas. We were represented by Stephanie Sytner, Dan DuShane, Yana Sweeney, Micki Harris, Amber Kinney and Alex Cleveland. Everyone did well and earned points for the team. Yana placed 3rd in her age group. Go Yana! Win, lose, good day, bad day – we were on our bikes and we were Dirt Divas.

The weather was perfect. A little chilly especially at the top at 11,142 feet. The course description says once you reach the top “head over to the Lunch Rock deck, put your feet up, and enjoy the views.” Maybe if I had my parka!

The Hill Climb race kicks off the Winter Park race series. It is a 5.2 mile service road climb. It starts at 9,080 feet evaluation and ends at 11,142 feet. It is a good steady grunt of a ride until right before the finish line. Then, o' boy, it gets steep for the last couple hundred feet. At that evaluation combined with digging deep – makes you wanna puke.

I always think it is a beautiful thing to be surrounded by cyclists. The shared misery and exhaustion followed by pure elation. How’s that saying go? “We must explore pain and exhaustion to know pleasure and satisfaction.”

Well, the pleasure and satisfaction part was the downhill single track that was open. I am not big on technical downhill, so not a lot of pleasure in that for me. But there were sure a lot of folks out that were enjoying themselves.

Until the next race – pedal, pedal, pedal
(Micki Harris)

What do you eat & drink while riding?

2009-06-18T13:44:00.000-06:00

Okay, Dirt Divas, time for some comments. Eating and drinking enough are so key to having great rides and even races. It's so important that in triathlon, nutrition is often called the fourth discipline. What do you put in that Camelbak (or water bottle) when you are out tearing up the trails? Are you a plain-water girl, a good-old Gatorade drinker, a techie with more exotic sports drinks (Cytomax, HEED, nuun), or just plain old funky (like orange juice)? What do you munch on for trail-side snacks?

I'll get us started: my new fave for racing is 2 nuun tabs dissolved in water in my Camelbak and Hammer gel to eat. Anything more and my stomach wants to turn inside out. On a ride, pretty much anything goes - nuts are a favorite, sport beans, sometimes I drink Gatorade or just water, and even Hershey kisses for those long rides.

Leave a comment with what you like and why, and maybe we'll all learn something new. Don't forget to bring plenty of whatever you drink on those rides this summer!

JCOS Open House: Improving Visitor Experiences at Apex

2009-06-17T09:15:00.000-06:00

Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) managers recently contacted COMBA to inform us they are beginning a public input process to consider opportunities and methods to improve visitor experiences at Apex Park. Their goal is to increase the safety of park users, and provide more positive experiences for visitors.

Open Houses: Two open Houses will be held in June at the Open Space Ponderosa Meeting Room located at 700 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. A large turnout from mountain bikers will help ensure our standing in these important discussions! Mark your calendars and attend if you can:

Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m; Saturday,
June 20, 2009 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

If you haven't completed the survey, please do so at: http://dev.comba.org/apex_survey.html and then come to one of the Open House meetings.

In my honest opinion, mountain biker imput is vital to make sure that our voices are heard. Other user groups are VERY vocal, but we tend to think that our voice doesn't matter for some odd reason. Well, chicas, our voice DOES matter!!! Bring a mountain biking friend. Let's make a stand (positive, not in anger) and let JCOS know how we feel!

If anyone else is going, please let me know and we can meet up! :)

Free Hill Climb

2009-06-13T23:22:00.001-06:00

SO ... the Dirt Divas rocked it at the first race of the Winter Park Series today.

I was SUPPOSED to participate in the hill climb race. I bailed. Amber ALMOST had me convinced to race ... knowing good and well that I am not physically prepared to ride hard. HOWEVER, I know better than to show up for a hill-climb - at altitude ... out of shape. That's a recipe for disaster.

Instead, I slept in this morning. Got up and headed out for my first epic road ride here in Colorado. I am an endurance rider and I love to climb. However, I have been hesitant to tackle the big Front Range Climbs on my bike because I have a standard double crank. I knew I'd suffer ... and I did. It sucks to want more gears. I thought FOR SURE I was going to break my chain on the last push up to Ward on Left Hand Canyon.

I had a wonderful day. I feel bad that I missed the race.

It's a SERIES though. There will be other opportunities to suffer.

Today I suffered for free.

[Excerpt taken from my own person blog].

National Get Outdoors Day

National Get Outdoors Day is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Participating partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors.

I reconnected with the outdoors today! :) This was my first epic road ride in Colorado.

Left Hand Canyon Challenge
55 mile loop
Classic Front Range Hill Climb Route

DAMN standard double crank.
(I think there's a triple in my future ... attached to a brand new road bike).

Hwy 36 out of Boulder.

THE home of the Giant Prairie Dog.

Left Hand Canyon Road.

Snack Stop.

Snacker. (That's sNacker ... not sLacker).

The Giving Tree on the side of the road (Left Hand Canyon).

Now HOW IN THE HELL are the homeless people supposed to get up here to get this stuff? At this point I was about 20 miles outside of Boulder ... been climbing on my bike for well over an hour. Nobody comes up this way but bikers (on $2000 bikes). Hmmmmm. Makes no sense to me.

Greetings from the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

The WALL.
Mile 25: "Now you are climbing a big wall upon which sits the town of Ward." - Road Biking Colorado's Front Range

Ward, Colorado. Population: 169.
Ward General Store. I LOVED this place ... however, it smelled a lot like marijuana. This is after 20ish miles of non-stop climbing. I was pretty damn delirious myself at altitude (9,450 ft).

These chocolate chip cookies were advertised as FAMOUS Ward Chocolate Chip Cookies ... well, it had to be the best cookie I've ever had! I initially felt bad about my food selection after working so hard to get to Ward (I had 30 more miles of riding to go at this point) ... but then a very Pro-Looking Female Rider came and sat down right beside me ... with a bottled Coke and a cookie :) ((Based on the bikers blowing my doors down, I think matching biking shorts/jersey/socks makes you faster ... I'm convinced to buy myself a matching outfit)).

SUPPOSEDLY, this was the first car EVER in Ward.

Classic Peak-to-Peak Highway view.
"The Shangri-La of road cycling".

Peak-to-Peak Highway.

Looking back toward Nederland (Highway 119).

Boulder Creek.

Rock Climber.

Rock Climber.

Boulder Creek.

What a wonderful day.

Between the Drops...

2009-06-13T16:22:00.000-06:00

I look out the window and wonder, "When is this rain going to stop?" It's not a matter of wishing that it wouldn't rain... well, yeah, it sorta is. I want to ride my bike! I want my group ride to be fun and I don't want the ladies calling concerned about trails and rain and what to do if.... I mean, I WANT them calling, it's just that I wish the weather would cooperate and that the calls had to do with actually riding rather than all of us trying to figure out what the weather might do! grrrrr...silly weather!

However, I decided to go forward with the ride scheduled to be at Mt. Falcon. As I left Golden, it was pouring rain. ugh! But after leading rides for 4 years now, I've learned that it could be raining where ever I am but not raining where ever I'm going. Sure enough, I pull into the Mt Falcon parking area and criminey --- no rain! whoop! Unfortunately, lots of the gals had called before the ride and had totally bailed. To my relief, lots of gals also showed up to ride anyway.

This ride was a long climb and a good workout! The sunshine came out shortly after we started and stayed out for most of the ride. Arm warmers, jackets and whatever other warmer weather clothing was stripped off. ahhhh.... sunshine. But it was still so comfortable. Not hot with blinding sun, but warm with a bit of humidity. By the time we were ready to do the downhill, things were getting a bit cool. Arm warmers, et al were back on. As always, the downhill makes the climb all worth it!

As I stopped to hang out with one of the gals that joined us for the ride this evening, I was struck by the beauty of the rain droplets on the tree leaves beside the trail. The sun was shining just so.....

It was an incredible ride! We were rewarded for our steadfastness by not only being able to complete the full ride, but being able to chat a bit before the next storm hit! ahhhhh...... Colorado weather. Ya gotta love it!

Evergreen Mountain and a bit of Beauty at Apex

2009-06-05T16:01:00.001-06:00

We started our ride with a sighting of deer in the meadow. It was cool, misty and just a bit cloudy; but the trails were just that perfect mix of tacky....

We got to my favorite lookout point and saw this most tantilizing view of snow dusted mountain peaks and a clearing sky as the mist gave the view an almost magical quality.

And, of course, being of female persuasion, we chatted. Albeit, I have to admit that this Diva was feeling just a tad bit elated that she actually lead the climb without someone needing to pass her cause she was going too slow (remember, I'm the designated sweep)! However, the downhill was justifiably fast and amazing although for some reason I was all out in front by my lonesome!!

So, the next day warranted a trip to Apex. The day was promising to be rather cool (or so I had hoped) and misty. I dressed accordingly. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to change her mind and the day was nice, sunny and a tad bit warm for the warm, misty weather protection I was wearing. Why is it that I always advise others to layer but I never seem to heed my own sage advice! ??!

Went up Pick n Sledge and was greeted by this view of Green Mountain in the mid-day sun. Green. Lushious. Misty. Gorgeous. And, this is June. Have we been transported to the Emerald Isles?

Watched a beautiful black and white butterfly play in the dirt.....

And, in general, marveled at the elephant ears I found at the side of the trail among all the other green foliage. I have to admit, though, that I don't recall seeing elephant ears residing on this side of Apex -- could be wrong, but I honestly don't recall this phenomenum. I did, however, make note of all the poison ivy that seems to be growing prolifically along the trail as well!

See ya chicas on Apex Monday evening, June 8, for a little bit of sessioning and honing of some skillz. Meet at the lower lot, 5:30 pm. Oh yeah, if you have pads, you might want to bring 'em!

Really -- an ELK???!!! SWEEEEEET!

2009-05-28T12:26:00.000-06:00

There were 14 of us, standing around signing waivers and looking at the dark skies threatening rain. Should we ride? Was it gonna like just POUR down? Or, would it clear out? Well, this is Colorado, soooooo -- off we went. And much to our wondering eyes did we see...

That's right.... an elk, who had these little stubby fuzzy antlers trying to grow. He just gazed at us with his calm, inscrutible eyes expressing what? boredom? maybe a hint of curiosity? but, overall, I believe he held disdain for these two-legged mortals who attempted to enjoy HIS world on these objects that rolled down a trail... And, of course, it wasn't long before the sun made his appearance and chased away the gloomy clouds!

So, since I am not the fastest climber in the world; AND because my appointed roll in the scheme of things is to ride sweep so that no one gets left behind.... I have no pictures until we started back. (I get to go first then -- whooop!)

At the end of the ride, when we were all putting up our bikes and chatting about the elk, the deer that some of us saw, future rides and such; along comes a fox -- just trotting along and paying no never mind to this group of chatting, giggling two-legged critters who was intruding into his world. And, try as I might, I just couldn't get a decent picture of this non-chalant, elusive creature who seemed to just elude the camera lense. But, that IS their nature, is it not??

Reminder: Technical Practice at Apex on Monday, June 1 at 5:30pm.

A bit of Apex and Matthews/Winters!

2009-05-22T19:08:00.001-06:00

We started out with 8 of us sessioning the technical aspects of Apex. We worked at getting up obstacles and learning that much of the stuff up there was, indeed, rideable. We worked through some rock fears, we encouraged each other and some of us would demonstrate to the others how it was done...uhhhh.....sorta. Unfortunately, we were working it so much and having such a great time that the pix just sorta never happened. ooops! However, we also tried working the downhill a bit. I do have a couple of pictures of that courtesy of Michelle, who just happened to be on the trail when we were finishing up.

So, then we went over to Matthews/Winters on Wednesday. Mostly a different crew of ladies, but not totally. We decided that maybe we would try to ride the Morrison Slide trail and for those who had the practice run on Apex, they were encouraged to try out some of their newly learned skills. Actually, everyone did awesome, although on the way back I believe one of our ladies lost her bike and then had to retrieve it from the gully in which it descended (without her, thankfully).

All in all, we had some really good times -- and just think, the season is just getting started! EXCELLENT!

BUFFALO CREEK TRAIL DAYS, MAY 30-31, 2009

2009-05-20T21:36:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I feel that it is important for us Divas to give back to our trails. An opportunity to do so is coming up on May 30 & 31st.

COMBA (Colorado Mtn Bike Association) in conjunction with the US Forest Service, the Front Range Mtn Bike Patrol and IMBA are sponsoring several trail work weekends to be held over the summer. The first of these weekends is the last weekend in May. The purspose of these weekends is to "create a sustainable designed for mountain bike trail with advanced features" in Buffalo Creek.

I am really excited to promote these trail days and would like to point all of you to www.comba.org website to check out the details. After reading the info, please become involved and click on the link to rsvp. It would be so awesome if we Divas came en masse! :) Also, note that you do not have to attend on both days. I, personally, will be attending on the 31st since I have to work on the 30th. Altho it will be hard work -- it will totally be lots of fun as well!

Hope to see a bunch of us there!

Green Mountain

2009-05-14T23:07:00.001-06:00

"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel ... the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
-Susan B. Anthony

Anthony Sloan - Memorial Ride

2009-05-12T07:36:00.000-06:00

Anthony Sloan - Memorial Ride

Hey all, we are going to meet at 11:00 AM on Friday for a ride at Three Sisters Park in Evergreen, CO for a ride to honor Anthony. Later on, we'll have a bbq at Alderfer Park starting around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. See you there and bring your best AnthonyS stories.

The Yeti Crew

My Antoine

2009-05-09T07:36:00.000-06:00

Anthony Sloan

September 15, 1970 - May 7, 2009

I sit here this morning, two days after hearing the devastating news, trying to wrap my head around what happened....trying to understand why -- and feeling the loss of my best friend to such depths I didn't know even existed in my being. I've cried til you would think that there were no tears left, and then discover that there are plenty more. I take solace in being with our other very dear, close friends these last couple of nights as we sat around your table, grendel at our feet or lying outside your closed bedroom door, drinking gcb and feeling like you would walk into that room any second with one of your wry comments. I keep thinking about things said, promises made and......... remembering. I hear about all the lives of people you have touched -- so you! Not too many days ago, you talked about the sacrifices you had to make to live the "on the road" lifestyle so many envied. And no one really knew the stress, or the internal demons I knew you strove with. I cherish the time I have had with my best friend. Words cannot describe the hole this has left in my life -- this horrible, huge, gaping hole........

LET THE RIDES BEGIN!

2009-05-04T07:59:00.000-06:00

Ok ladies! We're gettin 'er done! I am counting on the weather and trails to be stellar from here on....1st ride of the season will be WEDNESDAY, May 13th! Here's the skinny ----

WHERE: Green Mountain -- meet up at the Rooney Road parking lot!
WHEN: 5:30 pm Wheels Down at 5:45
WHAT: A good working bike! :) -- Remember that we have a team mechanic. Jason will take care of your bike tune-up needs at 1/2 the price anywhere ($35/hr)! Give him a holler at thejinji@hotmail.com or call him at 303.386.5089
water, helmet, extra tube and patch kit, wind/rain jkt, energy bars/gels......AND A SMILE!
WHO: All you Dirt Divas!

Please RSVP me so that I don't leave anyone behind cause they got caught up in traffic! Es no bueno!
See you chickas on the trail! :) woooooo -- I can't wait!

Apex Review: JCOS Seeking to Improve Visitor Experiences

2009-05-02T22:26:00.000-06:00

I just received this from Michelle Beckman, Policy Director with COMBA. I encourage everyone who reads this to follow the link provided and participate in this questionnaire. This process will hopefully help all of us mtbrs express to JCOS are concerns and desires for trails such a Apex. Thank you so much! -- Dirt Diva

Jefferson County Open Space managers recently contacted COMBA to inform us they are beginning a public input process to consider opportunities and methods to improve visitor experiences at Apex Park. Their goal is to increase the safety of park users, and provide more positive experiences for visitors.

The public input process has four important parts that require your participation and awareness. Check them out here:

http://www.facebook.com/l/677a4;http://comba2009.blogspot.com/2009/05/apex-review-jcos-seeking-to-improve.html

Please help us spread the word by forwarding this message to everyone you know who values their mountain biking experience at Apex, who will want to be part of this important process. Our voices matter!

As always, thank you for your support of COMBA, and being an active member of our Front Range mountain biking Community.

Michelle Beckman
Policy Director
michelle@COMBA.org

Rock and Roll

2009-04-21T23:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Dirt Divas,

If you thought about coming out for the DD Spring Moab trip and you decided (for WHATEVER reason) not to come... go ahead ... kick yourself now :)

Words really can't do it justice. Pictures certainly help.

Next time... be there. Don't miss another opportunity to "rock" and roll with the DD's in Moab.

"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking" - Arthur Conan Doyle, in an 1896 article for Scientific American....

Hi Dirt Divas

2009-04-12T21:20:00.000-06:00

Hi Dirt Divas,

First let me start by introducing myself. My name is April a fellow mountain bike chic on the front range. I'm excited to do some blogging on my riding experiences this year as well as meeting fellow girl riders.

We have been lucky with a mild winter which has allowed me to do more mountain biking in the months of January, February and March. You can say I have gotten an head start on the riding season.

During the winter months, the bf and I put together a new bike (all mountain bike) but once I got on it, I realized that it was too big for me. First lesson of the season, GET FITTED. Yes, I know I should have done this but, I thought I would be okay. So, after riding some other great line of bikes out there, I finally went with a Santa Cruz Blur XC. I love it! :) AND IT FITS!!!!

So, here it is the start of a new season of riding. Looking forward to meeting some of the fellow Dirt Divas out on the trail. We are headed out to Fruita this upcoming weekend for the MSC race. Stay tune to some great pics and ride reports.

April

Optic Nerve Sponsorship of the Dirt Divas!

2009-04-04T18:46:00.000-06:00

The Dirt Divas are excited to announce that we have finalized our agreement with Optic Nerve!! That's right! Optic Nerve! You know -- the really cool, rad sunglasses/goggles manufacturer located right here in Denver!

So, this is the dealio:

ALL Dirt Divas get a 25% discount off of suggested Retail and FREE shipping.
10% of every purchase comes back to the Divas to help support and fund the Divas organization!
There may be special Dirt Divas sunglasses coming out during the riding season...
Optic Nerve is putting together a package for giveaways at the Moab season opening.
We have been given a special "coupon code" that can be used by all Divas, their spouses and family all year long. That means you can purchase as many shades, or goggles that you want! :)

It's a friggin stellar deal!

What do we give back to Optic Nerve?

Each of you who is on FB will hopefully become a fan of Optic Nerve. The more that do that, the better! :)
We post pix of us beautiful ladies wearing the Optic Nerve shades doing our mtb activities. They will set up a photo album just for the Divas!
We will post to all of you, periodically, specials that Optic Nerve offers to their partners (us -- and others such as CoMotion, Yeti etc.)

To use the code:

Simply go online to nerveusa.com (link is on our website and our blog, as well as on FB).
Select the shades that you want
Go thru the whole checkout procedure
At the end of the checkout procedure, you will be asked if you have a promocode.
promocode: (you MUST be a Dirt Diva, spouse, S.O. or family member to receive this code!) Please contact me at dirtdivasmtb@gmail.com to become a member (uhhhh... you must be a female -- sorry dudes!)

That's all there is to it! It's simple. We get a great deal on some really rad shades PLUS it helps our organization. They get a little bit of FB support and advertising from us.

BTW -- Our t-shirt company supports us as well with $4.50 from every t- shirt sold coming back to us to help support our group.

These are excellent deals, plus they help us to keep this group going. What could be better??!! Please support our sponsors who, in turn, support us! DEAL? Totally!

This just in from Bicycle Colorado

2009-04-01T17:25:00.000-06:00

Bicycle Safety Bill Keeps RollingExtra Step May Need Your Action...
Senate Bill 148, the Bicycle Safety Bill, passed another hurdle on Monday when it was approved by the Colorado House in a vote of 51 to 13. The bill now has 24 bipartisan co-sponsors out of 100 legislators!

Bicycle Colorado thanks everyone around the state who took time to make a call or send an email to their representative. Your efforts made a huge difference as this bill's chances looked dim under a well-funded attack from opponents. After considering amendments made in the House, the Senate on Wednesday sent the bill to a conference committee to work out the differences.
Our efforts defended against many opposition amendments in the House, but one puzzling amendment did pass. This amendment would prohibit bicyclists from passing each other on state highways with lanes less than 12 feet wide. Bicycle Colorado realizes this doesn't make sense and will continue to work with legislators to improve the bill for the Governor's signature.We respectfully ask bill supporters to be ready to weigh in one last time to change this confusing language. Because we often receive only one or two days' notice before a vote, be sure to sign up for eNews and special alerts. Together we can make positive changes to how bicyclists are treated on Colorado's roads.

Bicycle Safety Bill Information

Protections for Both Land and Bicycling
President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Bill this week, providing protection for hundreds of thousands of acres in Colorado's backcountry.

As many of you know, formal Wilderness designation prohibits bicycle riding. Bicycle Colorado wants to ensure that the Wilderness designation is used wisely to protect delicate lands where bicycle riding is unlikely to occur. Wilderness works great within broader conservation and protection areas that allow bicycling.

The Public Lands Bill included a great example in Colorado of utilizing a two designations to protect more land than possible with a single designation. The newly created Dominquez-Escalante National Conservation Area includes the Dominquez Canyons Wilderness Area to keep more land pristine and ensure that quiet use recreation like bicycling may continue.

Thanks go to all the groups groups and individuals that worked on this bill for many years.

MOAB IN APRIL!

2009-03-31T22:09:00.000-06:00

The Dirt Divas are going to Moab for their annual Spring Moab trip. This year we are hooking up with the Colorado Mountain Bike Association for more fun in the Sand, slickrock and sun! You must be a member of CoMBA or a Dirt Diva (or been given a special invite to join us) since we don't want to overtax the area where we are staying.

PLUS, Golden Bike Shop has offered to provide demos on a first come first served basis. There are a limited number of demos available so be sure to contact the Dirt Divas for more information!

Mark your calendars: April 17 - 19. RSVP's needed by April 10th. It's time to dust off those tires and put some Moab sand & dirt on them!

Contact and RSVP: dirtdivasmtb@gmail.com or grouprides@comba.org.

Cruiser Ride

2009-03-30T21:10:00.000-06:00

This is just in -- The CoMBA March Update! We'd LOVE to see some of you Dirt Divas at the Cruiser Ride Tuesday eve, March 31st. We'll have a table there and will talk to the ladies (and their gents) about our social rides and how much fun we have!

· March Update·

LET'S CRUISE!
Join Woody's, New Belgium, Golden Bike Shop, Dirt Divas and COMBA for the Golden Cruiser Ride on Tuesday, March 31st to shake off the spring snow with some cruiser bike shenanigans, pizza and beer. Check out the COMBA website for further Cruise details.

GET DIRTY!
COMBA will have numerous opportunities this season to work in the dirt- including helping to maintain our current stable of favorite trails via our support of the Mini-Crew program, as well as building new trail! More info to follow soon, but in the meantime, we're hoping to recruit the next generation of Crew Leaders. Do you like working outdoors to make a difference while (politely) telling people what to do? If so, we want to hear from you to discuss upcoming training opportunities: info@comba.org.

WEBSITE UPDATE
Thanks for your patience while we re-work COMBA.org. The interim blog has proven useful, but we hope to roll out the new site May 1st. If you haven't visited in a while, be sure to read (Director) Michelle Beckman's summary of her trip to the National Bike Summit on our behalf. You'll also find the agendas and minutes for all meetings of the Board of Directors posted there.

FACEBOOK
Join us online, won't you? All the cool kids are doing it...COMBA Facebook

MOAB!
Speaking of group rides, the Dirt Divas have offered to partner up with COMBA members for an early escape to the desert: April 17-19. Join us for a weekend of of sun, camaraderie, camping, and epic riding! Please RSVP to grouprides@comba.org by April 10.

Support COMBA - Join now!
Did you know...? That it takes over 200 hours per season to maintain one mile of trail? That attendance at the Public Forum with JCOS exceeded 200 engaged and concerned mountain bikers? If 200 mountain bikers volunteered 3 hours over the course of an entire riding season, it would represent 600 hours of trail work - the equivalent of a season's maintenance on three miles of trail. We invite everyone to join COMBA, and volunteer some time as well.
Trail maintenance not your thing? We welcome your contributions in other areas, too, such as the annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event.

To join COMBA, visit our website at www.comba.org and click on "become a member".

COLORADO CYCLISTS NEED OUR HELP

2009-03-18T19:33:00.000-06:00

SENATE BILL 148 WILL NOT PASS THE COLORADO STATE HOUSE WITHOUT YOUR HELP. (For a summary of the bill and more information please visit http://bicyclecolo.org/page.cfm?PageID=988)

The final votes in the Colorado House could happen as soon as Friday, March 20!The bill narrowly passed the House Transportation Committee late Tuesday night after drawn-out testimony from opponents. Please call your Representative TODAY (details follow for finding their name and number follow). WHAT TO DO:

1. Find your STATE House Representative and their contact info with the "Search by Zip Code" function at this websitehttp://capwiz.com/lab/dbq/officials/You will need your nine-digit zip code, if you don't know if you can find it at this website: http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp
2. Call (leave a voice mail) or email asking your STATE House Representative to: Please support Senate Bill 148 for Bicycle Safety
-Keep the 3 feet passing distance
-Allow bicyclists to ride where it is safe
-Briefly tell why bicycle safety is important to you(do not call U.S. Representatives Coffman, DeGette, Lamborn, Markey, Perlmutter, Polis, or Salazar.)

Please pass this along to your bicycling friends in Colorado. This is a really big deal! THANK YOU!!!

ORDER YOUR DIRT DIVAS T-SHIRT!

2009-03-15T09:25:00.000-06:00

Our Dirt Divas after-ride/go anywhere t-shirt is now available for order and delivery at http://cottonquips.com . Portion of proceeds goes to the Dirt Divas for operating expenses and $.50 from each tee will go to CoMBA to support their continuing efforts to improve our trails, generate new trails, create a more cohesive mountain bike community and be a better advocacy group for us mtbr's!

Buy one now and show your support for the Dirt Divas and your local MTB advocacy group, CoMBA (Colorado Mountain Bike Association).

SINGLETRACK FACTORY MAINTENANCE CLINIC FOR THE DIVAS

2009-03-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

The Singletrack Factory in Denver is offering the Dirt Divas some backing! They will do the following:

OFFER A MAINTENANCE CLINIC FOR DIVAS ON MARCH 21st starting @ 3:00pm. This clinic will be geared to things that will benefit us the most.
IF PARTICIPANTS WANT TO LEAVE THEIR BIKE AT END OF THE MAINTENANCE CLINIC ON THE 21ST, THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR $20 OFF A SPORT CLASS TUNE UP – IN CASE MORE SERVICE IS NEEDED THAN WHAT THE SPORT TUNE ENTAILS, THEN THEY CAN APPLY THE $20 TO ANY OF OUR TUNES OVER $70. ALSO, Singletrack Factory WILL BE WILLING TO DO AN ACROSS THE BOARD 10%DISCOUNT ON BICYCLE RELATED PRODUCT/SERVICE FOR THE 2009 SEASON. (ONLY EXCLUSION IS SERVICE PARTS ON REPAIR ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED).
Singletrack Factory will arrange for us to have special technical classes at reduced fees from Zach Griffith mtb instruction. They will want to know how many are interested first and then give us a pricing. Typically, these classes run @ $100 per person, however, we will be given a discount based on the number of ladies willing to participate. This instruction can be held up at SolVista as well.... :)
Singletrack Factory will be carrying the Dirt Divas Jerseys for retail purchase.
There will be other benefits as well, but we'll start with these!

Ladies, since time is short, please email me your interest and ability to attend this Maintenance CLINIC on the 21st. RSVP required. Cut-off date is March 19th. Sign-Up sheet is on our google site!

It is so exciting to be getting this type of support!

More on COMBA - Get Involved!

2009-03-11T14:00:00.001-06:00

Nancy is heading up the COMBA (Colorado Mountain Biking Association) Social Events and Rides this year. Divas are encouraged to get involved and strengthen our relationship with COMBA! If you're interested in joining her committee please contact her and plan on attending the meeting tonight.

WHAT: COMBA Social Events and Rides Meeting led by Nancy

WHERE: Woody's in Golden

WHEN: Wednesday March 11, 6:30pm

THANK YOU

2009-03-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

T H A N K Y O U !

A big thank you to all who made the Dirt Diva Jersey Party a success!

Special thanks to Pete at The Bike Station for allowing us to use the store for our event; providing wine, cheese and fruit to munch on; and for offering great discounts on merchandise and bike service.

Thanks to Golden City Brewery for keeping the Divas hydrated with a keg of great beer.

Thanks to Hunter at Jimmy John’s (new sub shop in downtown Golden!) for donating awesome subs to eat.

Thank you to all of our silent auction donors, too!

2-hour road bike coaching session with Jarmila Gorman

Jarmila Gorman can be reached at buffalocreekrider@yahoo.com

Haircut by Julie Silvestro

Julie Silvestro can be reached at juliebikes8@gmail.com

Clinique Basket compliments of Mandy Isbell

Mandy Isbell can be reached at 303-901-9102

Feedback Sports Alpine Scale

Contact Lisa Hudson Lisa@feedbacksports.com

emagineGreen gift basket with ecofriendly products from Jessica Henley

Jessica Henley can be reached at ecochica.henley@gmail.com

Outdoor Divas goodie bag

Outdoor Divas can be reached at 303.449.3525 Boulder store ~ 303.320.3482 Cherry Creek store

45 Minute Massage by Colleen Patrice

Colleen Patrice can be reached at 303-475-2539

Silpada Necklace

Raye Porter, Silpada Jewelery

COMBA! COMBA! COMBA!

2009-03-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who made it to the jersey party, you may remember Terry from COMBA speaking to us about the group. COMBA is our local trails advocacy group - meaning they maintain local trails for us to ride on, advocate for access for mountain bikes when there are conflicts, and educate people on using trails responsibly.
Since we as Dirt Divas use so many of the awesome trails here on the front range, it only makes sense for us to join in with COMBA in keeping those opportunities open. Visit their website to find out the latest happenings and join up - it's only $20 a year, what a steal for the countless benefits we get from our local trails!

Items up for Auction! Check it out!

2009-02-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ladies, I am soooo excited!

You gals ROCK! We've got several items going up for bid in order to raise money to keep the Dirt Divas riding!! These items are posted below!

Be sure to come on over to the Jersey Party on Thursday, March 5 -- you don't have to BUY a jersey. However, you CAN have fun, socialize, meet some gals who love to ride AND bid on these fun items. Bring a friend or two! OH -- there might be a few more bid items that may come up between now and the 5th, so check us out periodically!

Sponsors and Reps attending:

Optic Nerve will be there with with "lucky number" giveaway items,
Jett Clothing will be available to show you their ladies mountain bike short with possibly our logo embroidered on the short (available to us),
Terry Breheny will talk with us about CoMBA; he will also be representing his own company that will be making our "after-ride" t-shirts,
Tina Laue and Elizabeth Schnell will be available to talk with those interested re: acupuncture and sports massage,
and Kelli will be available to talk with those interested about SheBeest Clothing
BEER DONATED BY: GOLDEN CITY BREWERY
Space donated by: Bike Station
AND, of course, sizing jerseys for the Dirt Divas NEW JERSEY (design compliments of Jessica Henley, and Sarah Douglas of gaia creative http://www.gaiacreative.com/).
Also, use this time to sign up for our SPRING MOAB TRIP, April 17 - 19 and our Fruita Fat Tire trip the following weekend in April! :)
A special thanks goes to Randy Ballheim, aka: Groupie, Morgan County Signs who made our logo into frickin awesome decals! Ph / Fax: 970-867-9106 Cell: 970-768-1261 signguy@kci.net

Hope to see ya there! :) (Remember to RSVP, k?)

Silent Auction Items:

2-hour road bike coaching session with Jarmila Gorman
Jarmila has participated in numerous races including the Race Across America and specializes in endurance cycling and climbing. She is a 6 time Triple Bypass finisher. Jarmila has been coaching/instructing and leading rides for 4 years with a philosophy of: Natural Training is real results with real fun. What a great item to bid on for those of you riding the Triple Bypass this year! Jarmila Gorman can be reached at buffalocreekrider@yahoo.com

Haircut by Julie Silvestro
Dirt Diva Julie Silvestro is offering up a great haircut for auction. Julie has been riding for about 8 years. She has been doing hair for 13 years. Come bid on this and visit Julie for your new do! Julie Silvestro can be reached at juliebikes8@gmail.com, 720-940-3509 or via Facebook.

$200 Clinique Basket compliments of Mandy Isbell
Mandy is the Clinique Account Executive for Colorado for Macys, Neiman Marcus and Saks. She’s excited to hit the trails with the Dirt Divas this summer and has donated an amazing basket of Clinique products including: Mild Cleansing Soap, Clarifying Lotion #2, Dramatically Different Lotion, Even Better skin tone corrector, Deep Comfort Body Butter, 3.4 oz size Happy Perfume Spray, High Impact Mascara/ Black, and In a Rush Blush.
Mandy Isbell can be reached at 303-901-9102

Feedback Sports Alpine Scale
Feedback Sports, based in Golden Colorado, has donated an Alpine Scale for the Diva’s Silent Auction. The Alpine Scale is specifically designed to weigh bicycles, wheels, backpacks and any other outdoor sports equipment. The patented design enables the scale to be clamped into a bicycle repair stand or hung from a ceiling hook.
Contact Lisa Hudson
Lisa@feedbacksports.com http://www.feedbacksports.com/

emagineGreen gift basket with ecofriendly products from Jessica Henley
Jessica is a greenCoach with a new company called emagineGreen. She facilitates free 30min-1hour workshops to show women simple ways they can green their lives. She has donated a sampling of earth friendly products including a bamboo basket, reusable shopping bag, bamboo towlette and reusable SIGG water bottle. Jessica Henley can be reached at ecochica.henley@gmail.com

Outdoor Divas goodie bag
Marily Macdonald of the Outdoor Divas has donated a “mini bike kit”. It consists of some cool arm warmers, bike socks and a water bottle filled with goodies. She is also offering the Dirt Divas 15% off all purchases at the Boulder and Cherry Creek North Outdoor Divas stores.
marily macdonald MARKETING COORDINATOR
http://www.outdoordivas.com/
303.449.3525 Boulder ~ 303.320.3482 Cherry Creek
outdoor DIVAS ~ “specializing in women's gear and fun!"

Massage by Colleen Patrice
Colleen is an Intuitive Bodyworker, utilizing the techniques of Massage, Acupressure, Reiki, & Healing Touch. She specializes in deep relaxation, stress relief, injury healing, and grief transformation. Her work is uniquely healing!Colleen Patrice 303-475-2539
colleenpatrice@hotmail.com

Dirt Divas need Silent Auction items!!

2009-02-18T13:08:00.001-07:00

The Dirt Divas need silent auction items!

We are rounding up items and accepting donations for our Dirt Diva Silent Auction, to be held at the Jersey Party on March 5th. There are so many talented Dirt Divas, we’re hoping some of you are willing to donate your time and expertise in an effort to raise funds for the club.

Here’s the scoop. Are you a massage therapist, hairstylist, personal trainer, etc? Would you be willing to donate a 45 minute massage, haircut, personal training session for the silent auction? Or, do you have a product or service you would like to donate?We’ll display and promote who you are and what you do to all of the women attending the party. You’ll also receive recognition of your donation and a listing of your contact information on our blog and Facebook page.

If you’re interested in donating, please contact Jessica Henley at jessnkyle.henley@gmail.com or 303-506-1456

JERSEY PARTY!

2009-02-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

It is time for new jerseys! Many of you have expressed a desire for either a new jersey (because the first one is now old) or a new jersey since you never had one. NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IN ON THE ORDER! We will have a kick-ass deal for those who order their jerseys at the party.

Since we need to get sized for our new jerseys and put our order in to get these done as quickly as possible, we will have available sample jerseys to try on. We will be going with a long time company based out of Boulder who does jerseys for many big name teams. To this end, we will have a Jersey Party the first week in March. There will be giveaways, sponsorship announcements, CoMBA information, great beer, wine and appetizers PLUS great fun and socializing! ALSO, we are working on an after-ride Tee that will also be available for order.

WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
WHERE: Bike Station in Golden (I-70 & Youngfield)
WHAT: Jersey Party/T-shirt Party
WHO: Dirt Divas
WHY?? We need new jerseys! and after-ride T's! :)

RSVP required!

Also, I would like to announce that you will begin to see other bloggers blogging besides the Dirt Diva. About time, you say? I would agree and heartily! This is so much fun -- we are gearing up for a seriously fantastic season of riding!

P.S. Be sure to let me know if you're coming on the 5th!

Whew! New Job!

2009-02-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you knew; I was laid off right before Christmas. Not only that, but the house I had been living in was foreclosed on. It just so happened that I was greeted by a Sheriff's deputy one fine morning on my way to work (before I was laid off) to tell me I had one week to find a place and move. Arggghh! All my stuff went into storage, then I got laid off and so I've been accepting the generosity of my best friend and her husband since a little before Christmas.

This past Thursday, February 5; I began working in Evergreen at the Bicycle Outfitters. They sell YETI!!! :) So everyone who has been waiting for me to find a way to sell them a Yeti -- I have done so. You can now purchase one from me -- legitimately! ;) However, as relieved and happy as I am to say that I am again gainfully employed, I am also trying to figure out how I can get the last few details hammered out with Optic Nerve, Honey Stingers, GCB, SingleTrack Factory, Bike Station, Jett Clothing, our T-shirt dude (hmmm...I think I'm forgetting one or two), so that we can go into our season knowing who is buttering are bread. I was hoping that I could have time to contact more possible partners/sponsors; but I'm not sure that will happen since the season (for bike shops anyway) is almost upon us!

So far, there are 3 volunteer bloggers who will be blogging as soon as I get them set up. PLUS, Carrie Meersman has volunteered to lead out the Triple training rides which helps me so much since I am not exactly in a position to take Saturdays off right now. :) There is still so much to do...... I am hoping to have our Jersey Party really soon. I am aiming for the 19th, but that may have to be pushed back since things I thought were definite are not so much. I will be letting everyone know about this as soon as possible! I DO know that we will be having beer that night! Golden City Brewery beer -- donated by GCB! After the Jersey Party, I will want to have the race team meeting again, just to finalize registrations and things of that sort.

Anyway, like I said, lots of things up in the air but just seconds from landing on the ground. Hopefully, not splatting... :)

Keep your eyes peeled. We'll be having more to say shortly!

DD

Oh Baby -- it's COLD outside!

2009-01-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hopefully, our beautifully warm weather for January will become our wonderfully warm weather for February! Last week was exceptional for mid-January and luckily, I was able to get out to excerise the legs with a few 30 mile road rides. mmmmm -- felt soooo good! Other than that, the Dirt Divas Leadership Team and myself have been working on ways in which to make the Dirt Divas more self-sustaining. This past year saw quite a bit of my own hard-earned cash making it into the running of our social riding club/group. So this new year heralds a few changes that, hopefully, will provide the Dirt Divas a little bit of ownership as a whole and the ability for this organizing thing to NOT come out of the pockets of one.

You will notice that a "donate" button has been added to this blog and to our website. We are hopeful that by people donating, it will defray some of the costs of managing our group and keep it fun! Not only do we have a donate button tied into a paypal account, we are making plans for a Dirt Divas Jersey Party! wooooo! Tentative plans are for mid to late February. Not only will all of you be able to decide on the jersey style/size you want and ultimately be putting a deposit down for the ordering of said jersey; we are hoping to have decals/stickers by then and maybe even have an unveiling of our new Dirt Divas after-ride T. Other plans are also in the hopper so if you get a call from someone from the Leadership Team, don't be surprised!

BEGIN MAKING PLANS for the annual SPRING MOAB trip. This will be the 3rd weekend in April -- the 17 - 19. We have some plans in the works for this trip so keep a heads-up so you won't miss out. We are currently working with Optic Nerve on special edition Dirt Divas sunglasses as well. Who ever said that being laid off means not doing anything but getting depressed, totally had no clue what its like to organize and promote a ladies mountain biking group and race team! I don't have enough hours in the day.....!!!! (I'm soo happy!) now, if only I could get paid....sigh!

Ya know, I'm seriously thinkin that if its only gonna snow enough to frustrate and keep me off my bike, that it should totally only snow in the high country OR friggin snow lots down here so that I can go snowshoeing locally! :)

Chao!

Gettin it together!

2009-01-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

For some reason it has been really hard for me to get this blog set up the way I would like to have it set up; but, I think finally I'm getting the hang of this! The slideshow is from our trips to Moab, Fruita/Grand Junction, Crested Butte and Buffalo Creek during the 2008 season. During 2009, we will be posting more of our pix from the rides that we do here on the Front Range and from our Destination Rides. Our race teams will also be sharing their experiences racing the Winter Park Series and the Mountain States Cup (hopefully with pix as well) plus we have an X-Terra racer (which is totally cool!). Also, this year we will have TWO teams racing the Winter Park Series - how freakin exciting is that!

Meanwhile, I have been working deligently in keeping our Facebook page updated and well as the new Blog and our website! We've been working on designing our new jerseys and now have a logo that is being made into decals! (read: schwag!) We are partnering with Optic Nerve sunglasses, Honey Stinger, Jett Clothing and a few others are in the process of being determined! As I figure out how to manage this blog thing, I will be adding links to our partners so that all of you can see for yourselves how amazing they are!

So, anyway -- sit down, listen to the music (I take requests) and watch the slideshow. Make any comments you feel like making. From time to time we will be putting short questsionnaires on here and will enjoy seeing your responses. Actually, we have one up right now, so scroll down and check it out! There may even be offers made available to you from our partners. This looks like it will be a very fun, in your face action, work on the trails, make new friends kind of year!

Wooooo -- I'm so excited!

2009-01-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Dirt Divas blog. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee/beer/whatever, enjoy the music and share in the adventures of mountain biking on the Front Range of Colorado, Moab, Fruita, Crested Butte, Monarch Crest, Durango, Winter Park or where-ever else we may go to ride the gnar! We love to ride our mountain bikes -- everywhere we can. We road bike too! What we'd like to do is give you the opportunity to share in our adventures, post some pictures/video of us having seriously awesome fun and crashing and laughing and admiring the beauty that is Colorado and hopefully get you all pumped to ride as well!

Some of us race and we'll follow the experiences of our racers -- but most of us just ride. We like to challenge ourselves, we'll try to improve our skills and hopefully get some clinics going, we'll be involved with trail maintenance and will be teaming up with our partners for special offers.

We hope to see you out on the trail -- so, make sure you give us a shout out. Keep checking back because ya just never know what we'll be saying or when! (especially since we're just getting this set up right now...pictures and video to come!)