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best mountain bike races for women and girls in calfornia

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The Best Cross-Country Mountain Bike Races for Women and Girls in California

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.

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Larissa Connors: The Heart of a Champion

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.

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Celebrate Independence on Two Wheels: Join the MTB Girls Ride Club at China Camp This July 5

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.

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Flow Riders Founder Kelsey Wisinski: Jump, and We’ll Catch You

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."*

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From Dirt Roads to Destiny

In the quiet Sierra mountain town of Avery, California, 26-year-old April transformed a dream into a thriving mountain bike community. What began as a vision to recreate the welcoming bike-shop culture she loved in Santa Cruz became Mountain Aloha MTB Co.—a rider-driven hub that now connects locals, visitors, and trail advocates alike. Despite industry skepticism, financial risks, and personal setbacks, April built more than a business; she created a place where riders gather, friendships form, and mountain biking continues to grow throughout the region. Her story is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and believing in an idea before anyone else does.

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From Start Line to Finish Tape Gabby Huffman’s Marinduro Story

Gabby Huffman’s Marinduro journey showcases what it truly means to go from start line to finish tape in enduro mountain biking. Her story highlights the focus, resilience, and racecraft needed to handle technical terrain and fast transitions while staying composed under pressure. This feature explores her mindset, performance, and the determination that defines her race at Marinduro.

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Dani Johnson: Unapologetically Sending It

Dani Johnson is redefining what it means to ride with confidence in modern mountain biking. In Unapologetically Sending It, she opens up about her fearless approach to racing, her commitment to progression, and the mindset that keeps her pushing through every climb, crash, and comeback. This feature captures the raw energy behind her riding and why she continues to stand out in the world of gravity sports.

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Toro Bravo Delivers Big Racing and an Even Bigger Win for Women’s Mountain Biking

The June 7 Toro Bravo XC race delivered thrilling competition and a milestone worth celebrating: women accounted for 20% of the field, including four racers in the Open Women’s category. As Antonio Torres and Lucia Walbeck claimed Open division victories, the event highlighted the continued growth of women’s participation in mountain bike racing and the strong, inclusive community driving the sport forward.

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Emerson Ross: Taking Flight & Lifting Others Along the Way

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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Haley Dumke: Believing Where She Belongs

Elite mountain bike and gravel racer Haley Dumke's path to the top began with a simple love of riding Colorado's trails. Through persistence, self-belief, and a commitment to steady improvement, she transformed from a recreational cyclist into a competitor among the sport's elite. Her journey offers an inspiring reminder that confidence is built through action and growth comes from showing up every day.

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Straight Wheel Cycling: The Heartbeat of Half Moon Bay’s Cycling Community

More than just a bike shop, Straight Wheel Cycling has become the heart of Half Moon Bay’s cycling community. Founded on a passion for riding, inclusivity, and genuine human connection, owners Amy Thompson and Bart Draper have created a welcoming gathering place where riders of all ages and abilities feel at home. Through community involvement, mentorship, and a shared love of cycling, Straight Wheel Cycling continues to inspire the next generation of riders while strengthening the bonds that make Half Moon Bay unique.

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School’s Out, Parents, Now What?

Looking for ways to keep your daughter active and engaged this summer? From mountain biking and outdoor adventures to new friendships and skill-building experiences, discover fun activities that help girls stay healthy, confident, and connected all season long.

Danielle Del Vecchio’s First Sturdy Dirty Enduro and the Sisterhood That Got Her There

MTB Girls Magazine Is On the Scene at Mammoth Mountain: Where Courage Climbs Higher Than the Summit

Reigniting the Spark: Overcoming the Impacts on Sexual Arousal for Women Mountain Bikers

Athletes

The Best Cross-Country Mountain Bike Races for Women and Girls in California

Larissa Connors: The Heart of a Champion

From Start Line to Finish Tape Gabby Huffman’s Marinduro Story

Dani Johnson: Unapologetically Sending It

Emerson Ross: Taking Flight & Lifting Others Along the Way

Haley Dumke: Believing Where She Belongs

School’s Out, Parents, Now What?

MTB Girls Ride Club Coed Clinic at Soquel Demo Forest | July 18 | Santa Cruz, CA

Coach’s Corner with Kim Meredith

MTB Girls Magazine Is On the Scene at Mammoth Mountain: Where Courage Climbs Higher Than the Summit

The Pedal Revolution: 8 Game-Changing Bike Pedals Every Mountain Biker Should Know About

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