Enduro: first experience at AE Forest

I've always really wanted to give Enduro a go but I've always been worried about how scary they are and if I'm good enough to get down the descents. A couple of months ago I went on the Hope Womens bike packing weekender and I was speaking to a few of the girls there who had ridden them before and they assured me I would love it and there was nothing to be scared of; so I plucked up some courage and entered AE Forest.

I was supposed to be meeting a few girls there and riding with them for the weekend, however sadly they couldn't make it anymore so I was even more nervous thinking I'd have to be riding around on my own!! I rode over to the Hope stand and met Claire there who was chatting to a couple of girls who were there to partake in the Hope Womens event, she kindly introduced me to them and they both offered for me to ride with them for the day which I was so grateful for. We headed out to Stage 1, chatting away and meeting other women along the way too, my nerves soon disappeared!

We got to stage 1 and I put my racing head on and off I went. It was such a fun, flowy trail with absolutely nothing to be scared of, big smiles all the way down!! Stage 2 and 3 were the same too, just sooooo much fun! The marshals and other riders around the loop were all so kind and encouraging too. I loved the fact that you had the option to ride the stages as many times as you liked until you felt like you achieved that perfect run!! 

I had one of my favourite ever days on my bike and met some of the loveliest of ladies. The weekend didn't have the same "racy" environment that you may think it would have, it was so relaxed. I really would encourage any women out there who are scared or a little apprehensive to bite the bullet and enter these races, I promise you'll have an absolute blast and definitely won't regret it! 

Words: Becky Preece