The mighty Air Maiden – the women’s only freeride event – returns this year on July 2 & 3. The brainchild of Lynne Armstrong, who was inspired to bring a weekend of adrenaline riding to these shores after competing in Crankworx, Canada in 2007, Air Maiden enjoys a growing reputation for delivering up a combination of expert coaching and thrilling competition. The idea behind Air Maiden is to encourage those who have participated in day one’s “Coaching Clinics”, to showcase their new-found skills in a series of challenging real-world descents whilst maintaining a fun and laidback atmosphere. According to the event organisers it is also a chance to “show the public the level of skill that exists in female mountain bikers across the country and to demonstrate that us Brits are up there with the best of them in terms of freeride skill.”
The schedule for the weekend breaks down to a Saturday coaching and practice regime running, approximately, 10.30 – 15.00 followed by an evening BBQ; whilst Sunday starts with further practice sessions followed by the main competition from 12.00 onwards.
Air Maiden takes place at the Glentress Freeride Park in the Tweed Valley and entry for the weekend is a downright bargain £50.00. Registration forms are available via the website: www.airmaiden.com
