We had an amazing time at Bike Park Wales Ladies Day last weekend, it's always really positive meeting like minding women and shredding the trails together. It's the only time we see so many women at a bike park and it's really empowering. If you've not headed to one before, what's holding you back? We spoke to a few ladies who went by themselves, new, and more experienced riders alike went to enjoy the buzz of riding with women.
We joined the ladies train down Sixtapod (my personal favourite trail) into Funnel (a new fast and flowy blue), led by a mum and daughter duo who were tough to keep up with! The sounds of whoops and wees were heard throughout the train, and could be heard over sections of the park where ladies were pushing their boundaries and smashing trails they hadn't before. Totally inspiring.
If I have convinced you that you need to come to the next one then you're probably wondering what to pack? We we've got you covered, here at Trail Bloom, we have come up with a complete list of what to pack for your first time at Bike Park Wales.
First things first, you need to look good! We recommend head to toe Trail Bloom gear, but some say we are biased! Here are our favourites to wear while riding at Bike Park Wales.
Ladies MTB Jersey in Colourful Cameo Print
We love this because it's fit for women, and perfectly bright to be seen on those gorgeous green trails. With long sleeves, you have extra protection and there is sure to be at least one colour that matches your gear! on warmer days we love the coral and navy ombre 3/4 sleeve jersey. Essentially the same jersey but in a shorter sleeve.
Women's specific MTB trousers or shorts are always advised when riding down hill bike parks, last thing you want to be thinking about is your poorly fitting shorts. We love our ladies MTB shorts and trousers (available for pre order soon!) With 4 way stretch and elastic waistband they both move with you as you shred the trails.
If you like to keep your bum peachy, then padded chamois shorts might be a good idea too. With female specific padding design, our padded cycling shorts are a great addition under your MTB shorts or trousers.
Gloves are always a good idea on the trails, not just to finish off a great look, but to help with grip and protection from falls. Our matching gloves are a firm favourite with our customers for the fit and design, you can check them out here.
Speaking of protection, we completely pad up where we can. Regardless of your ability, if you come off it'll hurt a lot less if you've got adequate padding on! Now which padding you go for depends on your shape and preference, there isn't much in the way of female specific padding or body armour around, so find a brand you like that fits well. Unfortunately, it can be a case of trial and error but once you find them it'll make you so much more confident on the trails. My personal favourites are by Troy Lee Designs for full sleeve elbow pads and knee pads, they have reactive moveable padding that changes density when it is impacted. So it's like you're not wearing them until you need them!
Helmets are a must, Bike Park Wales don't insist on full face but from experience, I would wear a full face helmet all the time. No helmet no ride so whichever option you go for, ensure it's a good quality helmet that it comfortable and fits you. They can literally save your life. I always team mine with some goggles to keep the mud out my eyes as much as I can!
On colder days, we recommend adding base layers and water proofs to make your day more enjoyable. You don't want to be thinking about how cold your neck or ears are while riding down Vicious Valley because you forgot your favourite buff!
For an energy burst, ensure you have lots of little snacks to keep you on the trails longer. Bike Park Wales have an amazing cafe with home cooked food and cakes that are delicious. Perfect for between rides, a cuppa and a cake, and for later in the day they have their own brew of beers available. A water bottle is always a good idea too, they have a fresh water tap to refill as much as you need.
There is a great mechanical team at BPW, but its always good to bring a few bits to help when on the trails, spare inner tube, multi tool, spare chain link and small tyre pump should all fit into a backpack or hip bag.
To finish off on a high note, we always take a change of clothes for the car journey home, usually something soft and warm like our wild and free print sweater (it rains a lot in wales!) Nothing worse than travelling home in muddy clothes feeling chilly!
Is there anything else you can think of? List them in the comments!