(August 30l, 2009) Grand Junction, Colo— With backgrounds varying from professional freerider to world cup racer to first-time jumpers, girls came from all over Colorado, Montana, Washington, and even Canada for three days of launching bikes and sisterly fun at the Slope Sistair Girls Jam held at The Ranch in this past weekend.
Stephanie Nychka first organized the Slope Sistair event with the help of Darcy Turren and Gale Dahlager several years ago to encourage and progress the riding of velo vixens everywhere.
"It's a totally unique all female event... it's so non-intimidating, such a fun time. It's just about relaxing and having fun with a bunch of girls on bikes which we really don't get to do much," said third time Slope Sistair veteran Darcy Turren. “When the girls all ride together, they get to learn from each other much faster in a supportive environment.”
From the onset of discovering my new porn name, Rusty Something, it was obvious this would be a different event for sure. Unlike most races and events, which are precluded with a run to the local bike shop and liquor store, several of the girls made their first stop at the Hobby Lobby to stock up on crafts supplies for the weekend. Being feminine is just as important as how fast you go or how high you jump.
"It's a really great escape from weekends of racing, and it was really nice to come up here and ride with the girls. We all stepped it up this weekend", said Pro DH'er Neven Steinmetz.
On Friday, Grassroots Cycles of Grand Junction offered up free shuttle runs on the Ribbon Trail and others in the Lunch Loop trail network. Saturday was a day for the beginner and amateur ladies to hone their skills with separate ride clinics, and was also a chance for everyone to get in some practice time on the slopestyle course.
With an informal jam format, the girls competed in a slopestyle and best trick comp that was peer judged on Sunday. Tammy Donahugh of Berthoud, Colorado displayed some solid riding featuring toboggans, no handers, and the speed and fluidity needed to hit the big lines and jumps of the slopestyle course. Tammy's solid riding won the best trick and slopestyle comp.
Darcy Turren and Katie Hayes both switched between second and third for each comp, and all the ladies took home prizes from 5-10, Dakine, Sombrio, Burly Girls Clothing, Vitamin Water, Paul Mitchell haircare products, and even some fashionable sports bras.
Katie Hayes summed it up best: "I ride with all boys at home, and though I do love it for inspiration and drive, it was awesome getting to ride all weekend with such a fun and experienced group of girls! Big thanks to Stephanie for coordinating such a wonderful weekend!".
