Discover the hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where world-class mountain biking meets breathtaking coastal views and towering redwood forests. From the iconic trails of Wilder Ranch State Park to the legendary Flow Trail at Soquel Demonstration State Forest, this guide highlights the best rides for women looking to build confidence, improve skills, and explore one of California’s premier mountain biking destinations. Join the adventure and see why the Santa Cruz Mountains belong on every rider’s bucket list.
Here's a concise excerpt you could use for promotional, editorial, or social media purposes: > **"The biggest surprise wasn’t the bike—it was me."** After a month aboard the Mullet Cycles Peacemaker, MTB Girls Magazine Editor-in-Chief Liz Donahey discovered how a purpose-built mullet bike can transform the riding experience. From the rocky climbs of Annadel’s Canyon Trail to the technical challenges of Refugio Trail, the Peacemaker delivered exceptional stability, confidence, and control. With its unique 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel setup, the bike felt less like a traditional trail bike and more like a dirt bike with pedals—encouraging bold line choices and expanding comfort zones on some of Northern California’s toughest terrain.
Celebrate Independence Weekend on two wheels with MTB Girls Ride Club’s Women’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at China Camp State Park on July 5. Designed for beginner to intermediate riders, this empowering event combines expert coaching, confidence-building skills, and a supportive community of women who love to ride. Whether you're looking to improve trail techniques or simply connect with fellow riders, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and confidence on the trail.
Here's a short magazine-style excerpt: > When Kelsey Wisinski entered her first downhill race in 2019, she wasn't intimidated by the course—she was struck by the absence of other women. That moment sparked an idea that would become Flow Riders, an all-women's gravity mountain biking community now more than 50 members strong. Through coaching, mentorship, racing, and advanced group rides, Kelsey is helping women build confidence on challenging trails and proving that community can be the key to unlocking potential. As her team motto reminds every rider: *"Jump, and we'll catch you."*
Experience the thrill of mountain bike racing at the Santa Cruz Shorty, where women and girls of all ages can build confidence, challenge themselves, and become part of a supportive riding community. Set among the legendary trails of DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz, California, this exciting short-track race series combines adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations.

WOMENS FREERIDE MOVEMENT

Women Making History at Red Bull Rampage

Elite female riders compete in the first women's competition at Red Bull Rampage 2024

Latest

MTB Girls News, Articles, and Reviews

Discover the hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where world-class mountain biking meets breathtaking coastal views and towering redwood forests. From the iconic trails of Wilder Ranch State Park to the legendary Flow Trail at Soquel Demonstration State Forest, this guide highlights the best rides for women looking to build confidence, improve skills, and explore one of California’s premier mountain biking destinations. Join the adventure and see why the Santa Cruz Mountains belong on every rider’s bucket list.
Here's a concise excerpt you could use for promotional, editorial, or social media purposes: > **"The biggest surprise wasn’t the bike—it was me."** After a month aboard the Mullet Cycles Peacemaker, MTB Girls Magazine Editor-in-Chief Liz Donahey discovered how a purpose-built mullet bike can transform the riding experience. From the rocky climbs of Annadel’s Canyon Trail to the technical challenges of Refugio Trail, the Peacemaker delivered exceptional stability, confidence, and control. With its unique 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel setup, the bike felt less like a traditional trail bike and more like a dirt bike with pedals—encouraging bold line choices and expanding comfort zones on some of Northern California’s toughest terrain.
Celebrate Independence Weekend on two wheels with MTB Girls Ride Club’s Women’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at China Camp State Park on July 5. Designed for beginner to intermediate riders, this empowering event combines expert coaching, confidence-building skills, and a supportive community of women who love to ride. Whether you're looking to improve trail techniques or simply connect with fellow riders, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and confidence on the trail.

2025 Wente Registration is Open! Join the Most Fun 8-Hour Mountain Bike Relay Race

Races & Events

Stories. Schedules. Results.

Here's a short magazine-style excerpt: > When Kelsey Wisinski entered her first downhill race in 2019, she wasn't intimidated by the course—she was struck by the absence of other women. That moment sparked an idea that would become Flow Riders, an all-women's gravity mountain biking community now more than 50 members strong. Through coaching, mentorship, racing, and advanced group rides, Kelsey is helping women build confidence on challenging trails and proving that community can be the key to unlocking potential. As her team motto reminds every rider: *"Jump, and we'll catch you."*

Recovery Files

Pains & Progress

At just 14 years old, Emerson “Emmy” Ross is quickly becoming one of California’s rising junior mountain bike racers. From soaring over jumps to competing on national stages, Emmy’s journey is fueled by determination, resilience, and a love for pushing beyond her limits. Yet her story is about more than podium finishes, it’s about family, community, and the people who have helped her grow. As she continues to chase big dreams, Emmy remains grounded in the belief that success is strongest when it’s shared with others.
block
Celebrate Independence Weekend on two wheels with MTB Girls Ride Club’s Women’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic at China Camp State Park on July 5. Designed for beginner to intermediate riders, this empowering event combines expert coaching, confidence-building skills, and a supportive community of women who love to ride. Whether you're looking to improve trail techniques or simply connect with fellow riders, this clinic offers the perfect opportunity to grow your skills and confidence on the trail.
Here's a short magazine-style excerpt: > When Kelsey Wisinski entered her first downhill race in 2019, she wasn't intimidated by the course—she was struck by the absence of other women. That moment sparked an idea that would become Flow Riders, an all-women's gravity mountain biking community now more than 50 members strong. Through coaching, mentorship, racing, and advanced group rides, Kelsey is helping women build confidence on challenging trails and proving that community can be the key to unlocking potential. As her team motto reminds every rider: *"Jump, and we'll catch you."*
Experience the thrill of mountain bike racing at the Santa Cruz Shorty, where women and girls of all ages can build confidence, challenge themselves, and become part of a supportive riding community. Set among the legendary trails of DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz, California, this exciting short-track race series combines adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations.
Here's a short excerpt you can use: Join MTB Girls Ride Club on July 18 for the Wilder Ranch Coed Clinic, where California’s stunning Santa Cruz coastline becomes the backdrop for a day of mountain biking, skills development, and personal growth. Guided by coaches Kim Meredith and Liz Donahey, riders will build confidence on the trail, strengthen their mindset, and experience the beauty, history, and adventure of one of California’s most iconic riding destinations.
block


block


Women's Freeride Movement

MTB Girls Magazine is excited to share the Women's Freeride Movement news, events, and stories that all started as Women’s Freestyle Movement back in 2011. Starting with Air Dome events and media sharing, which lead to coaching offers and networking with other ladies in the industry. Their goal is to inspire future riders with their motto became PSI = Promote, Support, & Inspire. Learn More >>

Go Juliana!

Juliana Bicycles was established in 1999 exclusively to design and build high-performance mountain bikes for women. It was founded by Juli Furtado, a former professional cyclist and one of the most celebrated athletes in mountain biking history. With the mission of empowering women to explore trails and embrace the outdoors, Juliana Bikes revolutionized the cycling industry by prioritizing women's specific needs in geometry, components, and design. The brand gained acclaim for creating versatile and durable bikes, tailored to provide confidence and control. As a sister brand to Santa Cruz Bicycles, Juliana benefits from cutting-edge technology and engineering while maintaining its focus on fostering a community of women riders. Over the years, Juliana Bikes has grown to symbolize not only top-tier craftsmanship but also a commitment to inclusivity and adventure in the mountain biking world. Learn More >>

Upcoming MTB Races

California | Nevada | Washington | Oregon

January 26, 2025
Low Gap - Grasshopper Adventure Series
Ukiah, CA
February 8, 2025
The Rock Cobbler
Bakersfield, CA
February 22, 2025
Huffmaster Hopper
Mendocino National Forest, Maxwell, CA
March 21-24, 2025
Exchequer XC & Enduro Races
La Grange, CA
March 22, 2025
Lake Sonoma MTB
Lake Sonoma, Geyserville, CA

MTB Girls is the first-ever mountain bike magazine for women including expert insights and reviews to promote rider and community health.

Top Reviews