What does it feel like to be a junior girl in the British Downhill racing scene with your eyes set on racing in the World Champs? How do you even get to the position to consider entering World Cup races as a privateer? And what is the secret to overcoming fear? With Molly Ruskin.

What does it feel like to be a junior girl in the British Downhill racing scene with your eyes set on racing in the World Champs? How do you even get to the position to consider entering World Cup races as a privateer? And what is the secret to overcoming fear?

The awesome, inspiring Molly Ruskin shares how the British mountain bike racing scene works and what it takes to ride in these world class races. Molly is wise beyond her years and shares how she overcomes things that scare her and how to navigate the crazy world of social media.

I learnt so much from Molly and gained an understanding of what it means for these riders who race at a high level and the achievement of it. Her ambition and attitude is inspiring and she is an amazing role model for the sport.

If you have a young daughter / family member who loves her mountain bike and wants to get into racing then you will love this episode. Molly shares some great advice to young people wanting to get into racing and recommendations of where to start to test your ability.

She fits so much into her life, with college studies, bike coaching for younger kids, gym training, a social life and then riding bikes and racing, she says she couldn’t do it without the support of her number one fan, her Dad, who also inspired her to get on a mountain bike.

The Guest:

Been riding mtb for a while and I’m a racer!

You can follow along with Molly at@mollyruskin_ on Instagram

Take away's from the episode:

• Riding bikes at this level requires dedication and commitment and when the riders are younger, a huge support team to give them the opportunities to race. Hats off to the family members supporting these riders. Huge hat’s off to privateers too.

• The downhill racing scene for girls sounds like a very supportive group. If you are brave enough and have real bike skills (that’s me out), you will be welcomed and supported.

• Molly is a wonderful role model for young people in mountain biking.

• We love bikes.

Useful Links:

• Molly recommended the Pearce Cycles races are a good place to establish if you are at the level to enter the National series. https://www.pearcecycles.co.uk/races/

• If you are inspired to race, whatever your age, but are new to the idea and are not at this level check out the trailbirds team on facebook https://www.facebook.com/trailbirds.team/ they are building a network of racers and share information on local grass roots races.

• You can also check out your local mountain bike group on facebook and ask for advice. MTB Chix and Trails are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/

• Check out Si-entries for a list of all upcoming races and events https://www.sientries.co.uk/

• If you just want to ride your bike and not race and need some riding buddies then check out some local mountain bike groups. They create opportunities for connection, a sense of belonging and friendships. MTB Chix and Trails above and Trail birds, a midlands based group but have members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/ .

• Follow GOW podcast @girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee @_shredlikeagirl for news on social events and group rides.

The Pod:

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Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaaa.

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