A diverse and dedicated group of women is coming together once again to make magic happen on two wheels. From different professions, backgrounds, and age ranges, these women unite around a shared passion for mountain biking. Together, they are thrilled to announce the second annual Ride Your Ride Women’s Mountain Bike Festival, set to take place from May 9 to 11, 2025, in Williams Lake.
The inaugural festival in 2024 was a resounding success, with registrations filling up quickly and a lengthy waitlist of eager participants. Building on that enthusiasm, the organizers are hard at work to make the 2025 event even bigger and better.
This event would not be possible without the tremendous support from the local and regional community. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to participants, sponsors, and volunteers.
At its heart, Ride Your Ride is about more than just mountain biking.
The festival aims to empower women on bikes, build and strengthen the bike community, create opportunities for connection, emphasize fun and enjoyment, and prioritize safety for all participants.
Feedback from the 2024 event has been invaluable, and in 2025, the festival will stay true to these core goals while also striving to increase inclusivity. The organizers are committed to ensuring the event welcomes and supports riders of all backgrounds and skill levels.
They also aim to offer more group rides throughout the biking season to sustain the sense of community beyond the festival weekend.
This year, the festival is excited to collaborate with Julie Doerfling, a seasoned local photographer who participated in the Empowered Filmmakers intensive workshops at Williams Lake First Nation in 2023. As a result of this program, Julie created a beautiful short film Our Anchor.
In 2025, Julie will be working with Emma Swabey to create a new film focused on building women's mountain bike community in the Cariboo and the Ride Your Ride festival. This addition brings a fresh artistic and cultural dimension to the event, enriching the experience for all participants.
The success of the first festival was due to the dedication of countless individuals who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. From delicious meals provided by local vendors to expertly guided rides, the festival’s atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared joy. As plans for 2025 unfold, the organizers are excited to deliver another unforgettable experience for women riders, continuing to foster connections and celebrate the joy of mountain biking in the beautiful region of Williams Lake.
Anyone interested in supporting the Ride Your Ride Women’s Mountain Bike Festival is encouraged to please email wlrideyourride@gmail.com to get involved.
Whether as a business sponsor, an eager rider, or a volunteer ready to lend a hand, the festival offers many ways to contribute.
Registration will open in March and updates will be posted on our social media page, https://www.facebook.com/p/Ride-Your-Ride-Womens-Bike-Fest-61556780562212/
Together, the community can continue to build a strong and inclusive biking culture in Williams Lake. Mark your calendars for May 9 to 11, 2025 and get ready to Ride Your Ride!
