Women Invited To Follow Kate's Lead

Women are being invited to get to grips with sprockets and brakes and indulge in a bit of two-wheeled action. The Forestry Commission is hosting a special workshop in Sherwood Pines Forest Park, near Mansfield, Notts, on Sunday 22 March to encourage more females of all ages to take up mountain biking and develop their skills. Off-roading may seem like a male dominated pursuit, but the tide is slowly turning with more women taking part at all levels. Sharing her knowledge will be Kate Potter and her partner Ian. Kate, who is from Nottingham, has moved rapidly through the gears since taking up the sport and now rides with the elite Cotic and Bontrager race team. She has her eyes firmly set on the London Olympics in 2012. Kate said: "We will pitch the day at all levels of ability so even if you are a complete novice you can come along and get some basic coaching and build confidence. There'll also be tips on improving skills and simple bike mechanics as well as more advanced stuff for riders of greater experience." Chris Bray, Forestry Commission Recreation Manager, added: "Biking is a terrific way to experience the forest and keep fit – and that's the same for men and women. New bike routes are set to open in Sherwood Pines as part of a £300,000 investment so there couldn’t be a better time to get into the sport and brush up on technique." Partners and friends are welcome to take part. For more information and a booking form contact [email protected] The cost is £35 per person or £50 per couple. Dates for similar events at Sherwood Pines are sent to be confirmed shortly.