The Healing Power of the Ride: Why Every Woman Should Try Mountain Biking

Raise your hand if you love to entertain new ideas and break free from the mundane. 🙋🏼♀️

I bought my first mountain bike five years ago after spending most of my life road biking, and I fell in love.

The older I get, the more I crave the outdoors… real terrain, dirt, the ache after pushing myself, the smell of the pines… all the things that make you feel truly alive.

And while I’m pro-gym, pro-fitness studio, and pro-whatever-makes-you-happy-and-gets-your-body-moving, I am also PRO, PRO, PRO getting outside, breaking a sweat, moving your body in new ways, and meeting yourself out in the wilderness where the noise quiets and your whole being engages with the vibrancy of the earth. It is truly life-changing.

Mountain biking engages the whole body in ways few other activities can. Each climb pumps lymphatic flow, flushing stagnant fluids and toxins through the body’s natural detox pathways.

Remember, aging and illness begin with stagnation. The bursts of cardio increase oxygenation, improving cellular vitality and skin health. The constant micro-adjustments of balance and core engagement activate stabilizing muscles we rarely use, enhancing posture and longevity.

But beyond the physiology lies something richer.

Being in nature recalibrates the nervous system. The rhythm of pedaling through trees, breathing mountain air, and feeling sunlight on your skin lowers cortisol and increases endorphins… think natural antidepressants and mood boosters.

Tips for the Aspiring Rider:

1. Start with grace. Choose easy trails and progress at your own pace.

2. Fuel. Hydrate with electrolytes or honey water before and after riding.

3. Recover intentionally. Stretch, soak in minerals, and nourish skin and muscles with herbal balms.

4. Honor your body’s rhythm. Movement should feel like a partnership, not punishment.

What to Look for in a Good Mountain Bike - What I’ve Learned From Local Athletes

Choosing the right bike can make or break your experience, especially if you’re just getting started. Here’s what to look for:

1. Fit Over Flash. Comfort is everything. Visit a local shop to get fitted for your height, inseam, and riding style. A properly sized frame will prevent fatigue and improve control.

2. Full Suspension vs. Hardtail.
   

• Hardtail: Great for beginners - lighter, more affordable, and easier to maintain.

• Full Suspension: Offers more comfort and control on rocky or steep terrain.
  

3. Wheel Size.
   

• 27.5” (650B): More nimble and easier to maneuver for smaller riders.

• 29”: Rolls over obstacles more smoothly - ideal for longer rides and taller riders.
  

4. Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Consistent stopping power is essential on steep trails, don’t skip this feature.

5. Dropper Post. A game changer that lets you lower your seat at the push of a button for descents and raise it again for climbs.

6. Clipless Pedals (Optional). Once you’re comfortable, try them, they increase power and efficiency.

7. Maintenance & Care. Keep tires properly inflated, chains lubricated, and brakes tuned. Your bike will love you back for it. I always feel the difference after I’ve had my bike tuned up. 

So here’s your call to adventure: Meet yourself in the wilderness. You’ll be amazed at who’s waiting there.

P.S. Some anecdotal thoughts…

When your tires hit the trail and the wind rushes past your face, your thoughts get quiet. You stop performing and start being. You come face to face with a gritty kind of strength you never knew you had…  the kind that isn’t built in the comfort of routine.

And yes, the gym, the walks, and the rhythm of routine can become comfortable, even when you’re pushing yourself.

Not to mention the benefits of breathing in air that’s not muddled with the aroma of rubber, sweat, and steel (haha).

The mountain teaches resilience. You climb, you descend, you get scraped up a little, and you rise again.