By Danielle Kutchel
It’s muddy, it’s fast, and it’s fun – but for women across the region, the Lysty Chicks mountain biking group is about so much more than just riding.
Lysty Chicks encourages women to get on their bikes and have a go at the challenge and adventure that is mountain biking, all while forming strong bonds with friends from across Casey and beyond.
Each month, the group meets for a ride through the wild trails of Lysterfield Park.
They are divided into three categories of riders: a more capable group that will cover 20-25 kilometres in one ride, a beginners’ group for those still learning the ropes, and an intermediate relaxed group of women who are capable riders but want to enjoy a chat and a ride.
Every group is supported with leaders trained to MTB Level 0 and in first aid should anything go wrong.
For beginners, the group leaders will often take them back over a trail several times to ensure they feel comfortable. The ride is adapted to their needs.
“It’s a really encouraging environment to step away from home, work and life as well as having fun on the bikes,” spokesperson Sandy Parkinson said.
She started in the group as a beginner and is now the club president and one of the ride organisers.
Originally a road cyclist, Ms Parkinson said when she first moved to Melbourne she was nervous about hitting the roads and decided to give mountain biking a go instead.
Her first foray was at Lysterfield, and she’s never looked back.
Over her time with the Lysty Chicks group she’s formed firm friendships with other women over their shared interest in riding.
“I think you’d be hard pressed to find any women who don’t make friends in this sport because of the group ride,” she said.
After each ride, members will stop at a nearby café, giving them more opportunities to sit and chat and become friends.
Ms Parkinson said that while mountain biking is traditionally a male-dominated sport, the club plans to change that.
“Women really want to get involved in this,” she said, citing the club’s enthusiastic members.
In fact, other cycling and riding clubs are taking a leaf out of the Lysty Chicks book with targeted trail rides for women.
“Women need a supportive environment, where they have a group to encourage them,” Ms Parkinson said.
“It’s motivation to get out on the bikes and meet someone.”
Anyone interested in joining Lysty Chicks can find the group on Facebook for details of the next monthly ride, or visit https://www.lysterfieldmtb.com/
