Words | Amanda Pearce. Photos | Jamie Nicoll, Leah Bensemann.
It seems almost criminal to have a mountain bike race with no social distancing in sight while most of the rest of the world are still experiencing some sort of Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions, but in NZ we can do just that. Mainly due to some awesome leadership (thanks Jacinda) and also Kiwis, just happy to get stuck in and do the hard yards so we can enjoy such freedoms.
Basking in the sunshine. There was rain forecast for lunchtime but lucky for the riders that never came. PC Jamie Nicoll
The 2020 edition was the 5th year of Shred like a Girl Enduro, a ladies only MTB race which started in 2016 as a single stage ‘Super V’ and has now blossomed into an enduro. Riders have the option of competing in either a 3 stage Intermediate, or 5 stage advanced enduro, even featuring a special ‘uphill stage’ for the E-bikers.
Riders line to get their timing chips with may riders competing in their first enduro MTB race.
The race provides an enjoyable environment for ladies to compete in an Enduro race, with casual uphill liaisons & fun timed downhills, it’s a chance for them to take part in a usually male dominated sport with no pressure to ‘get out of the way’ or stress about not making the next stage.
Jamie Nicoll’s big red bus served pre-race croissants and coffee, perfect race fuel! PC Jamie Nicoll
Riders gathered on a typically sunny Nelson day at Codgers MTB park to enjoy croissants & coffee from Jamie Nicoll’s old Bedford bus while lining up for rego. It was then time for rider briefing and to shake off any pre-race nerves before heading up the hill for stage 1.
Celia Tomlinson on a flyer in her first ever MTB race. PC Leah Bensemann
Alice Baker in full focus mode! PC Leah Bensemann
Advanced riders hit the race track first. Stage 1 headed down IV line, a fun trail that just keeps getting better with age, it even included some sneaky ‘Enduro’ straight lines. This then flowed into stage 2 ‘Gully’, a tight trail with lots of roots and rocks to keep riders on their game!
Alana McLuckie. PC Leah Bensemann.
Suze Fraser-Harris always with a smile on her face. PC Leah Bensemann.
It was then time to head back up the hill and also for the Intermediate riders to join in on the action. Stage 3 went down Hulk n Hogan, a fast, flowy trail with plenty of jumps to get airtime on. It was then back up the hill a bit more and onto stage 4. It was here the E-bikers then had their time to shine with the special E-Bike uphill stage, This was a timed section up Viral Flow, with some tight turns to negotiate!
Blending in with the scenery. PC Leah Bensemann
Stage 4 was on P51, with lots of berms and table tops. This stage was a fan favourite, it even had some pedally bits to get the legs and heart pumping!
Alana McLuckie getting some air time on Tu Meke. PC Leah Benemann
Amanda Pearce clearly having a good time. PC Leah Bensemann
There was just one last small pedal up the hill for the final stage of the day ‘Tu Meke’ a flat out blast to the finish line.
Time for prize giving and spot prizes. PC Jamie Nicoll
Riders then had time to sit in the sun to enjoy a beer and a hot dog and share some post race banter. After a fun day out on the bike it was Fiona Murray who would take out the stiletto heel trophy for 2020.
Congratulations to all the ladies who took part in this awesome day, we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Overall winners on the day, 3rd Awen Lloyd, 2nd Jo Perrott, 1st Fi Murray. PC Leah Bensemann
A massive thanks to all the volunteers, people who supplied prizes and the Nelson MTB club. Also a special big thanks to Mel Schroder for all her hard work to ensure the day ran silky smooth, Ka Pai!
Check out the results here