Beta
Shredding Betties: community and empowerment on the mountain
Georgie got involved with the Shredding Betties around five years ago, and she’s now the president of the group. She spends a lot of time focusing on women who are new to the sport, modelling that you don’t have to be a specific body type or have a certain background to get into mountain biking.
“I got involved to put a little bit more of an accessible face on it for people who may not feel that they're athletes or really hardcore.”
Riding on Kunanyi
The Shredding Betties run a variety of different events, from social rides to skills clinics in multiple different locations. Kunanyi has always been a big part of their riding because of its proximity and accessibility for people living in and around Hobart.
Brooke is a general committee member of Shredding Betties, and she remembers times on the mountain in precarious conditions.
“We've been on a couple of mountain bike rides up there while it's been snowing. The trails are really slick and a little bit scary when they're wet and icy, but the view and the beautiful snow-dusted trees are just fantastic. You're laughing the whole way down the trail. You're not riding particularly fast, but you're having a good time.”
The natural features on the mountain are varied, from rock gardens to rainforest, and the weather can surprise you by quickly changing from sunshine to snow. For Brooke, riding on the mountain challenges her ability to adapt, and she's felt that in more than just her riding skills.
“How you adapt to the trail and the weather as you’re going down it, it really builds on your natural life skills. I've learnt a lot from that and from myself over the last couple of years because of it.”
A natural stress relief
Georgie says going out on the mountain is also a great way to boost mental wellbeing.
“You go out riding, often thinking it's for vigorous exercise or fun, but then you just stop somewhere. It could be sunny and you're looking back up to the Organ Pipes, or it's misty and the birds are calling and the trees are around you, and it's just so peaceful. It draws the stress away.”
Empowerment and community
Julia is one of the founding members of the Shredding Betties, so she’s been a part of the journey since the start in 2017. Reflecting on the feeling she gets from mountain biking, Julia says the one word that stands out for her is ‘empowerment’.
“That sense that it's you outside, you're on your own, you have to cope, and you're achieving a goal, whether it's a destination or a skill you're trying to master, in the context of nature. It's more than just the physical challenge. It's being out there, immersed in the natural environment. It's like a double whammy of euphoria.”
However, Georgie, Brooke and Julia all agree that the most important aspect of Shredding Betties isn’t the wild rides, the physical workout or even the nature experience - it’s the community and friendships they’ve built along the way.
“The mountain biking is just the vehicle to build camaraderie”, Georgie says.
“When I seek feedback from other members, the words that come up again and again are mental health and friendship. It's the whole package: the camaraderie, the support when someone rides something and everyone's cheering and encouraging.”
Georgie got involved with the Shredding Betties around five years ago, and she’s now the president of the group. She spends a lot of time focusing on women who are new to the sport, modelling that you don’t have to be a specific body type or have a certain background to get into mountain biking.
“I got involved to put a little bit more of an accessible face on it for people who may not feel that they're athletes or really hardcore.”
Riding on Kunanyi
The Shredding Betties run a variety of different events, from social rides to skills clinics in multiple different locations. Kunanyi has always been a big part of their riding because of its proximity and accessibility for people living in and around Hobart.
Brooke is a general committee member of Shredding Betties, and she remembers times on the mountain in precarious conditions.
“We've been on a couple of mountain bike rides up there while it's been snowing. The trails are really slick and a little bit scary when they're wet and icy, but the view and the beautiful snow-dusted trees are just fantastic. You're laughing the whole way down the trail. You're not riding particularly fast, but you're having a good time.”
The natural features on the mountain are varied, from rock gardens to rainforest, and the weather can surprise you by quickly changing from sunshine to snow. For Brooke, riding on the mountain challenges her ability to adapt, and she's felt that in more than just her riding skills.
“How you adapt to the trail and the weather as you’re going down it, it really builds on your natural life skills. I've learnt a lot from that and from myself over the last couple of years because of it.”
A natural stress relief
Georgie says going out on the mountain is also a great way to boost mental wellbeing.
“You go out riding, often thinking it's for vigorous exercise or fun, but then you just stop somewhere. It could be sunny and you're looking back up to the Organ Pipes, or it's misty and the birds are calling and the trees are around you, and it's just so peaceful. It draws the stress away.”
Empowerment and community
Julia is one of the founding members of the Shredding Betties, so she’s been a part of the journey since the start in 2017. Reflecting on the feeling she gets from mountain biking, Julia says the one word that stands out for her is ‘empowerment’.
“That sense that it's you outside, you're on your own, you have to cope, and you're achieving a goal, whether it's a destination or a skill you're trying to master, in the context of nature. It's more than just the physical challenge. It's being out there, immersed in the natural environment. It's like a double whammy of euphoria.”
However, Georgie, Brooke and Julia all agree that the most important aspect of Shredding Betties isn’t the wild rides, the physical workout or even the nature experience - it’s the community and friendships they’ve built along the way.
“The mountain biking is just the vehicle to build camaraderie”, Georgie says.
“When I seek feedback from other members, the words that come up again and again are mental health and friendship. It's the whole package: the camaraderie, the support when someone rides something and everyone's cheering and encouraging.”
Love what you're reading? Support Shredding Betties donate to support them now
Donate hereYou might like...
Mountain Biking and Cycle Touring Trail Grades
How far can I cycle in a day?
Time in nature is medicine
Exploring sparks true love for nature
Newsletter
Sign up to keep in touch with articles, updates, events or news from Kuno, your platform for nature