How entering downhill races as a newer rider can really open up your mountain bike world, enable progression and most importantly enable you to make loads of new riding mates with Libby Goffredo.

Today I am joined my Lib a pink obsessed mountain bike chick who got into the sport 2 years ago and is documenting her mtb progress on instagram, showcasing the highs and lows of progressing her riding.

We chat about what it was like for Lib to build up a network of riding buddies after her relationship ended and how signing up to grass roots downhill races was pivotal in building her confidence, meeting friends and feeling accomplished. Lib isn’t in it for the podiums and we talk about the benefits of racing just for yourself.

If you are reading this and are new to the sport, or want to give racing a go, this podcast is for you.

The Guest:

I started mountain biking around 2 years ago, I didn't love it at first but as soon as I got a sniff of downhill I was hooked. You will find me in some sort of pink with my little pony hair swishing around.

You can follow Libs riding here @lib_mtb on Instagram

Take away's from the episode:

• Entering a race series or individual races gives you a sense of purpose, a ready made group of supportive women and that warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment.

• You don’t have to be in it to win it with racing. Have a go, see what happens.

• We love bikes.

Useful Links:

• If you fancy joining in some races to get connected and try something new check out a few of the options below (you can find them all on British Cycling too and search within your area):

• Miji downhill https://www.facebook.com/mij.downhill/

• Mini downhill http://www.minidownhill.com/

• b1ke series https://www.b1ke.com/racing/

• Stile Cop in Cannock also hold DH races through the Racers Guild and you can find them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/49035601311/?locale=en_GB

Check out the podcast with Tess Cakebread Brown about racing. There are links to other races in the show notes for the episode.

Check out British Cycling events page for upcoming mountain bike races https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events?zuv_bc_discipline_filter_id=7

and Si entries https://www.sientries.co.uk/

If you want to get out on your bike 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 are really active on facebook https://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/

Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/.

Cycle sistas are based in Essex https://www.instagram.com/the_cycle_sistas/?hl=en

Girls Alive are a community aimed at getting women outdoors and hold regular mtb rides in Surrey- https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GB

Get following GOW podcast https://www.instagram.com/girlsonwheelspodcast/ or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/girlsonwheelspodcast

and Shawnee https://www.instagram.com/_shredlikeagirl/ for news on group rides social events.

The Pod:

Don’t forget to head on over to the GOW website https://girlsonwheelspodcast.co.uk/ 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.

If you liked what you heard please rate the pod and leave me a review on podchaser and the app you listen on. It will help the show to grow and make me do a happy dance.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you don’t miss the next episode.

Huge thanks to the pods number one supporter Shawnee at Shred Like a Girl. Go check out her awesome womens mtb clothing and join the community https://shredgirl.com/

Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa.

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