Mountain biking, mental health and women only communities with Shawnee Finlayson

How can mountain biking help your mental health and why are women only events and communities so important in the mountain bike world?

This is what I chat about with the hilarious Shawnee in today's episode.

Shawnee is the founder of Shred Like A Girl, a women only mountain bike clothing brand and global community of girl shredders, originally from the land of sunshine and giant spiders, Straya’, she made the move to the UK back in December 2021 and is here to stay.

Shawnee openly shares her struggles with her mental health and we talk about how mountain biking has offered her the perfect remedy to those dark days. We chat about the escapism and release that getting on your bike gives you and how despite the battles you can have with yourself about getting out, when you do, it isn’t long before the good stuff kicks in.

We also talk about how women only mountain bike groups and events played a vital role in Shawnee forging connections and helping her settle into her new life in the UK. We give context around why these groups are so important to women in mountain biking, so any guy out there who hears themselves say…”but what about male only groups” can think a bit deeper about that comment and gain some insights and change their thoughts about this being about them and “anti-men”.

The Guest:

Shawnee has built Shred like a girl to make sure there is women's clothing out there for everyone, no matter what shape or size. You can check out Shawnee's Website and find her on socials; Shawnee's Facebook page and @_shredlikeagirl on Instagram where you can be a part of her ever growing community.

Take away's from the episode:

• You can’t beat a mountain bike ride to escape your own mind. There is no room for thought when you are on your bike. It might feel like the biggest struggle to get out there, but it is worth it.

• Women only mountain bike groups create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships. Check out MTB Chix and Trails who are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/ and Trail birds, a midlands based group but have members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/ and get following Shawnee and GOW podcast for news on social events.

Check out the key points in the episode below:

00:00 - Show me the love - How did Shawnee fall in love with mountain biking?

09:20 - One of the visions behind Shred Like A Girl and an experience at Dyfi Bike Park

13:19 - We chat about what can stop a girl getting into mountain biking

18:37 - Why womens groups proved so important for Shawnee

27:15 - Mountain biking and mental health

42:55 - Anxiety, a car journey, and winning a big ass mind battle

49:15 - Shawnee’s biggest small win on her bike

53:13 - Sh*t the bed

58:35 - Quick fire questions

01:05:35 - Squids

Help:

If you are struggling with your mental health you can check out the following for ways you can get help:

https://www.thecalmzone.net/

https://www.mind.org.uk/

From experience the best thing you can do is tell someone how you are feeling, it is okay to not be okay. Be brave and reach out. You can always get in touch with me too, drop me a message on socials.

The Pod:

Don’t forget to head on over to Girls on wheels website and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll be updated on upcoming guests and episodes and get a chance to get involved, either by suggesting topics, guests, coming on to share your story, or joining the panel for random episodes.

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Next time I chat with an enduro queen about getting more women into racing. What can the event organisers do better to get more girls signed up? Tune in next week to hear our thoughts around this.

Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

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