What is it really like to be a female in this mountain bike world?  Find out Zoe's perspective, a working mum who loves her bike, has a young daughter who races mtb and is part of a female charity empowering more women to get outdoors.   Zoe gives a broad view of her experiences and shares her knowledge and passion around closing the gender gap in our beloved sport.

Today I have a great chat with Zoe Woodman about a whole array of things that come up as a female in the mountain biking world.  Zoe gives her insightful perspective as an “everyday” mountain biker and mum of a young daughter who races mtb. 

There is so much gold in this podcast for brands, event and race organisers, British Cycling and guys out there who want to understand a female perspective of our shared passion and take some action to create change.   We chat about Project Evolve and other events that are doing great things to get more women into the sport including the charity Zoe volunteers for; Girls Alive.  A womens biking club based in Surrey. 

The Guest: 

Zoe is a keen mountain biker and so is her family. Luckily they all love bikes. Mai, Zoe's daughter is pretty damn good on a bike and is entering races. Zoe is also a big part of Girls Alive, an active female group empowering women to get outdoors and change their life.

You can follow Zoe and her families mountain bike life on Insta or youtube.

@Woodmanmtb on Instagram Zoe on YouTube

Take away's from the episode:

• There is a chaperone policy for under 16 year olds at races where an adult can accompany them on the tracks and follow them down.  Perfect for enduros where younger riders take part or any race where the rider is worried. 

• There are a million small changes and positive action and intention that can be followed to create a shift and change in the gender differences in the mountain bike world.  This will take time but it requires everyone to take action.    

• You have to follow Aneela McKenna. Aneela is chair of British Cycling diversity and inclusivity advisory group and is doing amazing things in the mtb world. https://www.instagram.com/mrsgowherescotland/

• We love bikes.

Useful Links:

• You can check out Girls Alive on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/girlsaliveuk/?locale=en_GB

• 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 facebookhttps://m.facebook.com/groups/370678596444806/ and Trail birds, a midlands based group with members all over https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/trailbirds/about/ and get following GOW podcast @girlsonwheelspodcast and Shawnee @_shredlikeagirl for news on 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.

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Girls on wheels coming at yaaaaaaaaaa. 

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