BCCC issues a challenge to all women and girls!
In the 2018 BCCC, 76% of our riders were male, while just 24% were female. This imbalance isn’t an issue limited to the BCCC alone, it’s one experienced across the cycling event industry on a broader scale. But in 2019 we closed the gap a bit, with over 30% female participants.
We recently delved into our registration data for this year… and although currently around 22% female, we were interested to see that in the 40km and 53km rides, women represent over 50% of entrants.
In these two rides, we have female entrants ranging from 12 years old to over 70 years young! We spoke to a few of them to find out why they have entered … and hope it inspires some other women and girls to bite the bullet and sign up for 5 November in one of these distances and close to gender gap in cycling!
Millie, 12 years old: “this is my first ever ride like this, I usually only ride my bike from my house to school or soccer training! Initially I thought 40km sounds so far, but my dad is riding it with me and says it’s flat and fun, and because we are doing it together, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stacey, 36 years old: “I’m a mum of three kids, and I’ve been wanting to do something different for myself, and get a bit fitter and healthier. A friend thought maybe entering the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge 40km would give me a goal to work towards, so I entered a few weeks ago and I’ve been out on my bike for a couple of small rides (literally about 5km each time … but it’s something! I enjoy riding with my friend and we have a good natter too. I can’t wait to try 40km in November!
Bea, in her 40s: This is my third year riding in the BCCC, this time I’m trying the 53km. I come back because last time I enjoyed the challenge, scenery and cycling with my family. It is a lovely satisfying feeling when you have completed the challenge. The terrific thing about the BCCC is that you can choose out of the routes you want to do depending on your fitness level and you can take your time and just enjoy the ride. I would recommend it to anyone, such a great experience.”
Dorothy, 70+ years old: “This is my first BCCC,. I entered after being encouraged by a few local riders I know. I entered because it sounds like a really fun experience and a supportive environment. Even though it’s 40km and quite flat, I’ll be riding an e-bike and I’d encourage anyone to have a go at riding the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.”
Whether you are early days in terms of riding, a social roller or a more experienced cyclist, the BCCC is the perfect event … our four routes are attractive to riders of all abilities. At the more challenging end we have 121km and 85km routes, which both include Mt Misery. Then the 53km and 40km rides are attractive to either intermediate or recreational riders.
The relaxed, friendly nature of our community run event is also a critical factor in helping riders build the confidence they need to get on the bike over these distances.
Enter now or find out more at www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com or enter now here.
Keen to start preparing for your ride? Check out a good program here.
