2013 Downhill Season is ending!

Plattekill Closing Weekend

And so the 2013 downhill season is winding down with one more weekend of lift-served mountain biking. I've been closing down my main riding mountains over the past month. Mountain Creek was first to close during a preview of cold weather at the end of October. Plattekill closed last week with a chill in the air and snow on the ground. And now, the last mountain open - Highland, is closing this weekend - weather yet unknown!

What a journey this year has been. Starting off with the SheRidesPark event at Cranx in Syracuse --to Plattekill, Mountain Creek, Snowshoe, Highland, Indiana and more -- right up to the last Women’s Ride Day at Mountain Creek, a lot of ground was covered and a lot of ladies worked hard to learn new skills and improve their riding. So many new faces and new friends this year! 

As I sit here with the cold temps outside, I am warmed by all the memories of this season. It’s been a blast helping to build the east coast chapter of the Sisterhood of Shred (thanks Kat!). And that’s what this is becoming - a women's mountain bike community. The support you give to each other is so valuable! The best thing is that our community is going to keep growing as all of you grow. And I’ve watched all of you grow so much this year. From timid starts early in the year to new found confidence in the last few weeks of the season -- each one of you deserves a round of applause. You have taken on the mountains - and won! My rewards are the smiles I see as each of you master obstacles on the trail that you never thought possible (I’d ride that!). 

October Women's Ride Day
Mountain Creek Bike Park

Highland Mountain Bike Park
Women's Freeride Festival

I was proud to lead the Women’s Ride Days at Mountain Creek, and each month we saw more women taking part. And it was great to coach at the Highland Women’s Freeride Festival with over 100 women attending to meet like-minded women and learn new skills. I have been so luck to work with and learn from some fantastic coaches this year.  

As the season fades, I will be heading to warmer climates to continue turning people on to mountain biking. Keep your eyes open next week for details on the DRRT Adventure Club's week-long Hawaiian adventure in February! And if you can't get to Hawaii, don't worry - plans for 2014 are already well underway, and I will be home when the snow melts to bring you many more fun events. There will be a lot of opportunities for everyone next year, starting with the SheRides Park event at Cranx next April. 

And I hear there's going to be a Dirt Rock n Root race team next year!

Keep your eyes out for some winter training tips as we start to move into next year. With my 25+ years of racing and training experience, I'm sure I can give you some insights into how to get ready for next year whether you are racing or just riding for fun (like me!).  In the meantime, enjoy the last weekend of downhill at Highland and then take some time to let your body recover from the season.  

Relax, enjoy the holidays, and keep shredding!

Kathi