High above 11,000 feet at Mammoth Mountain, a fearless 10-year-old rider shouted, "Don't get stuck in the kitty litter!" before disappearing down a winding trail—and reminded us that mountain biking is about so much more than riding. From the empowering Gravity Girls event to unforgettable rides with Mammoth's inspiring fourth and fifth grade girls team, MTB Girls Magazine discovered a community where confidence, friendship, and adventure thrive. Whether racing at altitude or sharing stories after the ride, Mammoth proved that the best trails don't just build better riders—they build lifelong memories.
Pedals are one of the most important yet overlooked upgrades on any mountain bike. From classic flat and clipless designs to lightweight composites, smart power-meter pedals, and the groundbreaking 8 Degree floating flat pedal, today's innovations are improving comfort, control, efficiency, and rider confidence on every trail. Discover eight pedal technologies that are changing the way mountain bikers ride.
best mountain bike races for women and girls in calfornia
California is home to some of the best cross-country mountain bike races for women and girls, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From the beginner-friendly Santa Cruz Shorty Series at DeLaveaga Park to the 30th Anniversary season of 3CX Racing, riders of all ages and skill levels can find welcoming events that build confidence, skills, and community. Discover why more women are lining up to race and explore the top XC opportunities across California.
Larissa Connors Unbound Race 2026
The Heart of a Champion Fresh off an extraordinary third-place finish at the 2026 Unbound Gravel XL, Larissa Connors continues to prove that true greatness extends far beyond the podium. A two-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion, dedicated teacher, cycling advocate, and devoted mother, Connors inspires riders of all ages through her resilience, humility, and passion for the sport. In this cover story, MTB Girls Magazine celebrates a woman whose greatest legacy may not be her victories, but the countless lives she influences both on and off the bike.
Get ready for the 2026 MCBC Dirt Fondo with the MTB Girls Ride Club on Mount Tamalpais! This supportive, professionally guided prep ride is designed for intermediate riders looking to build confidence, endurance, and technical skills while connecting with other women who love mountain biking. Enjoy expert coaching, scenic trails, and a post-ride celebration in Mill Valley—all while preparing for one of Marin County’s most iconic mountain bike events.

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

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MTB Girls News, Articles, and Reviews

High above 11,000 feet at Mammoth Mountain, a fearless 10-year-old rider shouted, "Don't get stuck in the kitty litter!" before disappearing down a winding trail—and reminded us that mountain biking is about so much more than riding. From the empowering Gravity Girls event to unforgettable rides with Mammoth's inspiring fourth and fifth grade girls team, MTB Girls Magazine discovered a community where confidence, friendship, and adventure thrive. Whether racing at altitude or sharing stories after the ride, Mammoth proved that the best trails don't just build better riders—they build lifelong memories.
Pedals are one of the most important yet overlooked upgrades on any mountain bike. From classic flat and clipless designs to lightweight composites, smart power-meter pedals, and the groundbreaking 8 Degree floating flat pedal, today's innovations are improving comfort, control, efficiency, and rider confidence on every trail. Discover eight pedal technologies that are changing the way mountain bikers ride.
best mountain bike races for women and girls in calfornia
California is home to some of the best cross-country mountain bike races for women and girls, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From the beginner-friendly Santa Cruz Shorty Series at DeLaveaga Park to the 30th Anniversary season of 3CX Racing, riders of all ages and skill levels can find welcoming events that build confidence, skills, and community. Discover why more women are lining up to race and explore the top XC opportunities across California.

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

Races & Events

Stories. Schedules. Results.

best mountain bike races for women and girls in calfornia
California is home to some of the best cross-country mountain bike races for women and girls, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From the beginner-friendly Santa Cruz Shorty Series at DeLaveaga Park to the 30th Anniversary season of 3CX Racing, riders of all ages and skill levels can find welcoming events that build confidence, skills, and community. Discover why more women are lining up to race and explore the top XC opportunities across California.

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.
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best mountain bike races for women and girls in calfornia
California is home to some of the best cross-country mountain bike races for women and girls, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From the beginner-friendly Santa Cruz Shorty Series at DeLaveaga Park to the 30th Anniversary season of 3CX Racing, riders of all ages and skill levels can find welcoming events that build confidence, skills, and community. Discover why more women are lining up to race and explore the top XC opportunities across California.
Larissa Connors Unbound Race 2026
The Heart of a Champion Fresh off an extraordinary third-place finish at the 2026 Unbound Gravel XL, Larissa Connors continues to prove that true greatness extends far beyond the podium. A two-time Leadville Trail 100 MTB Champion, dedicated teacher, cycling advocate, and devoted mother, Connors inspires riders of all ages through her resilience, humility, and passion for the sport. In this cover story, MTB Girls Magazine celebrates a woman whose greatest legacy may not be her victories, but the countless lives she influences both on and off the bike.
Get ready for the 2026 MCBC Dirt Fondo with the MTB Girls Ride Club on Mount Tamalpais! This supportive, professionally guided prep ride is designed for intermediate riders looking to build confidence, endurance, and technical skills while connecting with other women who love mountain biking. Enjoy expert coaching, scenic trails, and a post-ride celebration in Mill Valley—all while preparing for one of Marin County’s most iconic mountain bike events.
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.
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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.

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