Recap/Results

We rode Riverside (green) together, reverse and forward. There was one really bad mud puddle and a few soft spots. Cheryl and Kari then headed off to ride Coal Miner’s Daughter (the long blue) and some of the blacks.

The rest of us jumped onto Missing Link (green but more Banner-like in it’s texture). Then we climbed up to New Ed Beach (a short blue trail) before repeating Missing Link. After that we played on the wood features and everyone in our group rocked them.

Brenda and Melissa had to head back to Des Moines. Mary and Katherine did a couple laps of New Ed and Missing Link. Cheryl and Kari were last reported heading hour for a second lap of the full course.

Very glad everyone came! Banner’s texture and rhythm is different from other trails. It takes practice to get a handle on it, and it takes time to learn to love it.

Description

Mountain Biking

Distance - 6–12 miles

General Information

Every Wednesday evening this summer, Cheryl and Katherine are hosting a weekly ride for women who want to learn how to mountain bike, want to get better at mountain biking, want to explore new trails, want to practice for mountain bike races, or just want to ride with other women.

All skill levels are encouraged to come ride! You just need a mountain bike, a helmet, and a desire to have fun. Beginner through expert, we will break into multiple groups as appropriate.

We will make sure no one gets lost and everyone has support to try new things, and we’ll offer tips and instruction along the way.

We plan to meet at a variety of local (DSM area) trails to get lots of experience. Keep checking Facebook and the "Information Specific to this Date" section below for updates. Locations may change due to weather and trail conditions.

Schedule

• #10 – June 4: Banner
• #11 – June 11: Banner
• #12 – June 18: Center Trails: Hillside & Roller Coaster
• #13 – June 25: Peterson Park, Ames
• #14 – July 2: TBD
• #15 – July 9: TBD

… and so on

Note: The Iowa Games Mountain Bike Race is Saturday June 28 at Peterson Park. It has options for beginner, sport, and expert level riders. We encourage you to try it.

Information Specific to this Date

Watch here for updates specific to Women’s Weekly Wednesday Mountain Bike Ride (WWWMBR) Week #11 — June 11, 2014, 5:30 p.m.

Meeting Location: The front parking lot. Turn off Highway 65/69 and head east on Elk Horn Street. Take the first right turn into the park. Take the first right turn into the parking lot.

Ride Time: Meet at 5:30. Hit the dirt and 5:45. If you think you might be late, let us know. The "one bite at a time" group will be easy to join in progress, and we will make sure you find us if we know you are coming.

Trail Reputation: Yes, Banner has a reputation for being tough. Banner also has variety. Check the route information below, because we will have options for everyone! Banner also has a reputation for poison ivy. Tall socks, long fingered gloves, and perhaps even long sleeves are good choices. If you know you are allergic, bring your Tecnu and scrub off in the parking lot before you head home.

Condition Update (6/11/14): We may have to make slight changes to our routes, but we are meeting tonight. Can't wait to ride with everyone!

Route

We plan to split into two groups.

1) Banner One Bite at a Time Group: We will start by riding Riverside (green) both directions. This is like many of the trails we have ridden. Then we'll move to Missing Link (green). This trail's soil is more typical Banner, but the trail short and level. Next we'll tackle New Ed Beach (blue). This trail has the ups, downs, and twists Banner is known for, but is short. After that we can decide which trails to repeat, or head over to the wooden terrain features to check them out.

2) The Banner Full Monty Group: We will ride the regular Banner race route which starts with Coal Miner's Daughter (blue) and have options for doing the black sections.

Registration

Free. No registration needed—just show up!

Contact

Katherine A. Roccasecca

kariadne@mac.com

Cheryl Dralle

ckdralle@hotmail.com