Last night we toasted the final Tuesday Night Ladies Ride of the 2o1o Summer Season. Sure, a few of us might do a spur of the moment night ride later this fall – but for all intents and purposes we wrapped up the season last night.

It was a good night, quiet turn out with only four of us – but the weather was particularly fine and the trails dry and dusty. We steadily climbed up Perry Hill and took Amanda for her first ride down the rocks, ridges and drops of Joe’s Trail. Seeing her huge grin at the bottom just about said it all on why I do the Ladies night on the trail.

I started the rides back when we had a baby and a brand new bike shop and I thought that it would be a good way to ensure that I got out on my bike at least once a week and might help spread the shops name. That first year I rode alone a lot.  The second year, we had a few more – with most women finally venturing to meet up on the final nights of the season. Last year and this year we’ve had great turnouts, averaging seven or more women for each outing.

This year we had some really strong riders join us. Tuesday nights are supposed to be easy nights for me, and a few times I had to remind myself to back off a bit. But it’s been a real blast this year. My only goal with the rides is to give every woman who wants it, the opportunity to ride in a judgement-free zone. Doesn’t matter what you ride, what you wear, how fast you are, or what you choose to ride or walk – the only thing that matters is that you made it out on the trails.  Thanks to everyone who made it out this year – whether it was once or every week and heres to doing it again next year.