For more than a year, I’d been quietly dreaming about entering an Enduro race.
I’d hear other riders share their stories of triumph; tales of committing to A lines and B lines or sometimes just the hilarity and excitement of a good weekend.
Maybe one day… But doubt always crept in before I could commit.
Last year, something shifted. I finally found the confidence to sign up for my first race — and I haven’t looked back since.
What I didn’t expect was how much that single decision would better my riding life. I ended up racing most of the season, making a tonne of new bike friends, joining a team dedicated to encouraging women to get involved in all things MTB and had a ridiculous amount of fun doing it.
As the new race season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on what held me back for so long. What were the barriers that kept me on the sidelines? And do other women feel the same way?
“I Won’t Know What to Do” — The Fear of Being the Newbie
This was my biggest worry. I didn’t want to show up and look like I didn’t belong. The truth is, every rider — even the fastest ones — had a first race at some point. New experiences always come with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
What helped me was reframing my expectations. It was my first race. I wasn’t supposed to know everything. There would be people to ask. The only real goal was to show up, learn and find my feet. Once I accepted that, the pressure eased.
“I Won’t Know Anyone” — The Fear of Standing Alone
This concern surprised me because I often ride solo. But the combination of not knowing the race format and not knowing anyone made the whole thing feel more intimidating.
Fortunately, I’d joined a few social rides beforehand and met some lovely riders who were also racing. On race day, they found me, checked in and instantly made the day feel less daunting. Practice days also became a great way to meet riders at a similar skill level and pre‑ride the trails together.
Before I ever wore pink for the Huck It Rider team, I was looking for it. Hannah and Sue were incredibly welcoming and always happy to answer questions. That sense of community and support made a huge difference.
“What if I’m not skilled/fit/fast/good enough?”- The What if’s
That question has a way of lingering in the back of my mind, waiting for the perfect moment to step forward—usually right when I’m considering something new and exciting. What if…
I challenged the “what if’s” by trying to think beyond them.
Instead, I asked myself: How will you feel if you let this opportunity pass? I reminded myself that I’ve ridden trails with the same level of technical difficulty. I’ve covered the distance before. I’ve done the work. And I won’t know unless I give it a go. I reminded myself no one would turn up to a race to spend their time judging me. It turns out the “what if’s” were unnecessary thoughts.
Looking Ahead — Planning for the Season Ahead
As I get ready for this year’s Enduro season, I’m carrying forward everything last year taught me: that confidence grows through action, that community matters and that racing is as much about showing up as it is about speed. I’m planning my training, booking in skills sessions and choosing the rounds I want to tackle.
But I’m also making space for the fun parts that make MTB what it is. The road trips. The shared nerves at the start line. The post‑race laughs. The moments that remind me why I love this sport.
I’m heading into the season with a mindset of growth rather than perfection. I want to push myself, learn more and support other women who are standing exactly where I once stood — curious, excited and maybe a little unsure.
A Call to the Women on the Sidelines
If you’ve been thinking about racing but haven’t quite taken the leap, consider this your invitation. You don’t need to be the fastest, the fittest, or the most skilled. You just need the willingness to try. The rest comes with time, practice and the support of the community around you.
And if you’re nervous about showing up alone, keep an eye out for the riders in pink we’re easy to spot and always happy to help. We will be racing; cheering, answering questions, calming nerves and celebrating every rider who gives it a go.
Because the truth is: the more women who step up to the start line, the stronger and more vibrant our MTB community becomes.
