Sisters in the Wild is a UK-based, community-focused organization that helps provide bikepacking and gravel riding experiences for women, non-binary, and trans cyclists. They recently hosted their yearly summer gathering with an amazing turnout in an incredible setting: England’s Lake District. Read on to learn more about this great event and organization.
SHARING ROADS, ROUTES, AND RIDING INFORMATION
Sisters in the Wild held their third annual summer gathering last weekend, bigger and bolder than ever.
Over 200 women and non-binary and trans folks came together in the UK’s Lake District to share a weekend of gravel riding, community building, and skill sharing. With off-road routes to suit all kinds of riders, it was an incredible variety of riders that joined us—all the way from first-time gravel riders to ultra-distance racers who would go on to race the infamous Highland 550 the following weekend.
We kicked off the weekend with a full-day mechanics school, led by an all-female team of mechanics, which gave 32 women a chance to get hands-on with their bikes in a super fun learning environment. Hammerhead helped us bring this incredibly talented team together to share their skills and experience by supporting our mechanics sessions across the weekend.
Day times were for riding. The Lake District is England’s wildest National Park, with its highest peaks and deepest lakes. Whatever route the riders chose, there were party vibes, incredible landscapes and mid-ride surprises waiting in the form of ice creams and espressos. Wild swims were never far away, nor was a classic British pub stop to break up the ride.
THE FUN CONTINUES AT CAMP
But SITW events are as much about what happens off the bikes as on. Back at basecamp, we came together to share dinners around the campfire and listen to badass women share tales of bikepacking races and adventures. 28 female-led cycling communities from across the UK were represented, many seeds of inspiration were planted, and new ideas of what might be possible were sparked amongst the attendees.
We talked about how to get started with ultra-distance riding, what to pack for your first bikepacking trip, how to plan a great gravel ride, and had “no questions of the table” chats about being a woman on a bike.
Giving newer riders a chance to try out kit before investing is a big part of what we try to do at our events. Our kit library was open to attendees, and our friends at Fizik were on site with their saddle library and a clip-in clinic to give folks a chance to build their confidence in moving into clipped-in riding. Hannah and Meg welcomed all our riders back to base with a pair of fresh Fizik socks to change into as well!
The energy of 200+ women and non-binary and trans folks together in one place riding bikes was something you have to experience to believe. It was a truly magical weekend.
You can follow Sisters in the Wild on Instagram @sistersinthewilduk to stay in the loop on future events and initiatives.
Photo:
@sistersinthewilduk
