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On Saturday 21st June, the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre was buzzing with energy as Forestry England, in partnership with Whyte Bikes and Project FIAS, hosted their first ever Women’s Takeover Day!

Women+ riders took over the trails for a day filled with community, confidence, and connection. With amazing support from Trail Bloom, Hope Enduro, and a crew of inspiring coaches, the day offered something for all ages and abilities. From timed runs to skills sessions, plus guided blue and red rides throughout the forest.

It wasn’t just a fun day, it was a powerful opportunity to help shift the culture of mountain biking towards greater gender inclusivity. Seeing the forest filled with women+ riders was a reminder that with targeted effort and collaboration, real change is possible.

New friendships were made, old ones rekindled, and the trails were full of joy, laughter, and encouragement. The day finished on a high with an epic women’s group ride that left hearts full, big smiles all around, and a strong sense of community.

As part of our work with Beicio Cymru and MB Wales, we’re showcasing stories of people supporting women+ MTB in Wales!

Meet Charlie, a true trailblazer for inclusive mountain biking in Wales!

Making a dream a reality, Charlie, alongside her husband Tom and brother Alex, have built their very own bike park: Hafod Trails, tucked into the hills of Carmarthenshire on the edge of Brechfa Forest.

Inspired by Dame Cycling in Forest of Dean, Charlie’s mission is simple but powerful: share knowledge, share the trails and build community.

And she’s doing just that!

Through women’s days, inclusive promotional content, and knee-height uplift trailers, designed and built by Alex, so even kids can load their own bikes. For Charlie, inclusion comes naturally and it’s at the heart of Hafod Trails.

As a committee member at Brechfa Mountain Bike Club and an ambassador for the SheRides Collective, Charlie leads regular women+ & girls rides that welcome all abilities, creating space, confidence, and connection on two wheels.

But Charlie, Tom and Alex aren’t stopping there. Their vision for the future includes a trail entirely built by women and making Hafod Trails a leading example of what inclusive mountain biking can look like.

Want to see it for yourself? Head to Hafod’s Women’s Festiva on 12th July!
Expect:
👕 Trail Bloom
🚴‍♀️ Demo bikes & coaching
🍕 Pizza & cake
🎶 A DJ
🛻 Uplift & community vibes

This is the kind of inclusive MTB leadership we love to see!

Are you involved in supporting women+ in MTB in Wales?

Email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk to share your story or hear more about Project FIAS!

As part of our work with Beicio Cymru and MB Wales, we are showcasing stories of people supporting women+ in MTB in Wales!

Meet Ceri!
In 2020, after moving to Llanberis and not knowing anyone, Ceri started planning off-road gravel rides as a way to meet new people in the area. What began as a few local rides quickly grew into something much bigger: a WhatsApp group, overnight bikepacking adventures, and eventually heading the Eryri Gravel Gang – a community built on support, sharing skills, and a matriarchal ethos.

🚴‍♀️Ceri hosts party-paced, women-led rides, including overnighters, and even got her British Cycling MTB Level 2 Leadership Award to better support women and non-binary riders.

💬 “My first bikepacking trip really opened my eyes. It taught me that I could trust myself; that I was capable of figuring things out and that the world isn’t so scary after all, but in fact beautiful, and incredible to experience on two wheels.”

🛠️ After experiencing sexism working in a bike shop, Ceri lost some confidence. So, she gave herself a challenge: to build a bike from scratch! Now she encourages everyone to learn bike mechanics to take control of their own adventures. 💬 “If I can do it, others can too.”

📸 🗺️Ceri’s work doesn’t stop there – she loves maps and route planning and is currently writing a gravel guidebook for Wales! Ceri also brings her camera everywhere. Her photography documents women on bikes and captures the joy, challenge, and the beauty of her adventures.

🤝Ceri actively supports new riders. When a friend came to her, new to cycling but with big bikepacking dreams of her own, Ceri showed her the ropes of trailside repairs and introduced her to the Eryri Gravel Gang Women’s cycling community who welcomed her with open arms offering advice and support. Ceri’s friend then went on to embarking on her first two wheeled adventure of her own which was huge success!

If you are involved in supporting women in offroad cycling in Wales, we want to hear from you!

Please email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk

On Friday 23rd May, we brought together an inspiring group of women+ from across Wales and further afield for a community building workshop at the incredible BikePark Wales, in partnership with Beicio Cymru and MBWales.

Leaders from women+ offroad cycling communities like Tribe Adventures Bristol, All Terre, Breeze, and Afan Forest Riders joined us – some already leading thriving communities, others just starting to plan what could be possible in their local areas. 💭🚵‍♀️

The workshop was led by Fiona Spotswood. We explored the FIAS Community Building Toolkit, shared what works (and what doesn’t), and had loads of sunshine-filled breakout sessions for deeper discussions and planning. We discussed all things from getting your community off the ground, to growing and sustaining. The energy and support from everyone who joined was nothing short of incredible. ✨

The afternoon ended with a ride, with big smiles all round and the opportunity to build lasting connections. Huge thanks to Liz Greaves, a BikePark Wales women’s ambassadors for showing us the trails!

We were also joined by the fabulous Jo Lee Morris from ProRide Coaching, who shared an exciting opportunity: together, we are funding places for women+ on a Trail Leader qualification – there’s still time to apply here https://lnkd.in/ejwREw5e

Huge thanks to everyone who came and contributed! Your energy, openness, and ideas made the day so impactful. We’re very excited to hear what the attendees go on to do next! Here’s to growing more inclusive, connected off-road cycling communities across Wales and beyond!

The Toolkit is free to download here https://lnkd.in/dk3q5PZZ  

As part of our work with Beicio Cymru and MB Wales, we’re celebrating people are supporting women+ in offroad cycling…

Meet Louise Jowett!
Whether it’s rain or shine, Louise is out leading mountain bike rides with a focus on fun, community, and accessibility for women of all ages and abilities.

A Breeze Champion and passionate local advocate, Louise supports women to gain confidence and explore the beautiful trails in North Wales. Louise even lends bikes and e-bikes for free through the bike shop she runs with her husband, to help more women join her group rides.

One beginner even went on to buy an e-bike after borrowing one on a group ride – proof that a little support goes a long way in getting more women pedalling.

Louise knows the local landscape inside out and offers a variety of routes to keep things fresh and interesting. From muddy puddles to scenic climbs, her rides are all about laughter, connection, and a love for the outdoors.

Louise is not just leading rides, she’s building a movement. By encouraging more women to get involved and become ride leaders themselves, she’s showing that mountain biking is for everyone.

Are you supporting women+ in MTB in Wales? We want to hear from you! Please email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk

As part of our work with Beicio Cymru and MB Wales to help develop women+’s MTB in Wales, we’re showcasing stories of inspiring women+.

Meet Sara based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales!

From starting out pedalling with her border collie to conquering climbs and building confidence, Sara’s mountain biking journey has been nothing short of empowering.

For Sara, riding with other women – and the sense of community it creates – has been invaluable in navigating life’s challenges. What began as a way to get physically active has grown into a deep passion – not just for riding, but for making mountain biking more welcoming to women.

Now, Sara’s on a mission to encourage more women to get involved in mountain biking across Wales. She believes in the power of women riding together and wants to see more local opportunities and more events that welcome women of all ages and abilities.

If you are involved in supporting women in MTB in Wales we want to hear from you!

Please email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk to get in touch.

Want to lead mountain bike rides and inspire others?

Project FIAS has teamed up with Pro Ride to offer a FREE Trail Leader (Level 1 or 2) qualifications for women+!

We recognise the value of women+ gaining formal leadership qualifications in mountain biking. This helps to promote and normalise women+ in leadership roles across the sport – an important step towards making mountain biking more inclusive.

What to expect from the course?
✅ Delivered in a supportive environment.
✅ Led by at least one female tutor.
✅ Includes both training & assessment.

📍 Location: Cwmcarn, South Wales (NP11 7FA)

📆 There are two course dates to choose from:
– 19–20 July 25
– 22–23 November 25

This is part of our work with Beicio Cymru & MBWales to grow women+’s MTB in Wales, so priority will be given to women+ based in Wales.

Be quick – spaces are limited! Apply here https://forms.office.com/e/EpqNmGqYCK 

If you have any questions or would like more details, please email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk

Want to start or grow a women+ mountain bike community?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join us for a workshop that will offer guidance and support for building your women’s+ MTB Community.

Project FIAS are hosting the workshop as part of our Women’s Offroad Cycling Community of Practice series in Wales, in partnership with Beicio Cymru and MBWales.

What’s included?

🧠 Expert insights & shared learning.
📖 Unpacking the FIAS Toolkit for building a thriving MTB community.
🤝 Connections with like-minded women+ riders.
🚵‍♀️ Afternoon ride at BikePark Wales for in-person attendees (with FREE uplift included).

Why join?

Women+ MTB communities are valuable for developing confidence, skill, progression, and lifelong friendships – and we want to help you kickstart, grow and sustain yours.

Who is the event for?

✅ Women+ looking to start an MTB community.
✅ Existing Women+ MTB leaders wanting your communities to grow, develop & be more inclusive.
✅ Anyone is welcome to join (priority will be given to women+ in Wales).

💡 There are still places available but be quick – in-person spots are limited. If you can’t attend, please download and use the free community building toolkit here.

📅 Friday 23rd May 2025
📍 BikePark Wales & Online

Read more here Project FIAS and Bikepark Wales Join Forces to Host Women+ MTB Community Workshop.

Register here 

See details of future events here Offroad Women in Cycling – Beicio Cymru

As part of our work with Beicio Cymru and MB Wales we’re celebrating stories of people supporting women in MTB in Wales!

       

 Based in North Wales, Clare Mitchell is a true champion for women’s mountain biking.  

 Clare is based just outside Conwy with close access to the Conwy Valley and has dedicated many years as a volunteer at Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Bike Club 🚵‍♀️working tirelessly to support and grow the MTB community.  

 Looking at the year ahead, Clare’s setting her sights developing more opportunities for women and girls at the club, helping to make mountain biking more inclusive and accessible for women and girls!  

 Clare is also the driving force behind a women’s social riding group, where friendships have flourished alongside MTB skills. What started as a small group has now grown into a self-sustaining community, with regular mid-week and weekend rides as well as adventure trips together! 🚴‍♀️

✨ The group now has splinter groups arranging rides and trips together, and continues to grow and expand.  

 👏 Clare’s dedication, leadership, and passion for supporting women in MTB deserves a shout out for creating lasting change in women’s mountain biking in Wales.  

 Are you involved in supporting women and girls in MTB in Wales?  

 Or, would you like to know more about Project FIAS and the work we’re doing?  

 If so, we want to hear from you!  

 You may also want to be part of a discussion forum platform, dedicated to fostering a community of practice and knowledge exchange to support women and girls in mountain biking.  

 If you’d like to hear more, please email Maria.Moxey@Bristol.ac.uk  

Thinking about becoming a ride leader but not sure if it’s for you?

Join us for Demystifying Ride Leadership – an interactive online webinar designed to encourage more women+ in Wales to step into leadership roles in mountain biking!

This is the 2nd session in our Women’s Offroad Cycling Community of Practice in Wales series with special guests!

📅 Date: 24th April
⏰ Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: Online Register here

In this supportive session, experienced tutors and ride leaders Jo Lee Morris and Claire Sharpe will share their insights, covering:
✅ What a ride leader qualification involves
✅ Who it’s suitable for
✅ Common barriers that may hold women back
✅ A Q&A to address your concerns and boost your confidence
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or just want to learn more, this is a great opportunity to explore ride leadership in a welcoming space.

Share with anyone who might be interested and help us spread the word!