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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain bike racing returns to Toro Park on June 7 with Toro Bravo XC, the second event in the 3CX Summer Series. Whether you're chasing a podium, a personal best, or simply looking to challenge yourself, this iconic cross-country course offers an unforgettable race experience. Women riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the adventure, build confidence, and celebrate the growing mountain biking community together.
Known for its legendary fast and flowy singletrack, supportive atmosphere, and all-level categories, the series has become a favorite for everyone from beginner riders to elite racers looking for high-energy cross-country competition. But what truly makes the 3CX series special is the people.
Haley Dumke never expected mountain biking to transform her life. What began as casual rides through Colorado’s mountains slowly became the place where she learned to trust herself, embrace discomfort, and believe she belonged among elite athletes. Despite rapidly rising into professional-level racing, Haley openly struggled with imposter syndrome, balancing self-doubt alongside remarkable success. Her story is not just about endurance racing, but about resilience, identity, and learning to accept the strength others already see within you.
The 2026 3CX Summer MTB Series returns to Fort Ord National Monument with the BLM Blaze XC on May 31, bringing fast cross-country racing, flowing singletrack, and a welcoming grassroots mountain bike community to Northern California riders of all levels.















