Recap of Shine & Girls Gone Wilder Pump Track Clinic

There are numerous reasons why I put on this pump track clinic for women. For the woman who got into mountain biking as a big kid, 

Rider: Melissa Cline


for the tomboy who's been told to leave her boyish ways behind her, 

Rider: Melissa Gonzalez

or the girl that only wanted to play with trucks but only got dolls.

Rider: Traci Hukill

I want them empowered, and skilled in self-reliance via my favorite vehicle—the bicycle. There's a reason that Susan B. Anthony called the bicycle the “freedom machine.”

Riders: Karen Kefauver, Melissa Gonzalez, Joh Rathbun, Traci Hukill

I feel free every time I ride and I want everyone—especially those that are told no—to feel that sense of freedom. 

Rider: Joh Rathbun

Somehow we had the track to ourselves--I'm sure it had nothing to do with the heat.

Riders: Melissa Cline, Melissa Gonzalez, Sarah Grenier Montplaisir

Look for participant Karen Kefauver's column, Spin City, in this Friday's Santa Cruz Sentinel for immediate coverage in her column, 

Rider: Karen Kefauver

and you can also look to hilltromper.com for the Girls Gone Wilder perspective some time next week.

Rider: Traci Hukill

Big ups to all those who supported the Shine Riders & Girls Gone Wilder, whether you took the clinic, or lent a bike, like Shuttle Smith Adventures.  Call him for your party bus/shuttle needs in Santa Cruz County at 831.234.3383.

Riders: Joh Rathbun, Karen Kefauver

What a great way to kick off the season—I look forward to riding with ya'all this summer!

Riders: Traci Hukill, Melissa Gonzalez, Melissa Cline, Joh Rathbun, Karen Kefauver, Sarah Grenier Montplaisir

Joh Rathbun is a Shine MTB Coach & Ride Guide, and also an Action Sports Writer & Columnist. Find her at ShineRidersCo,  or at http://johrathbun.wix.com/freelancewriter .

All photos by Clay Ryon.