Girls Riding Together (GRIT)
What is GRiT?
Girls Riding Together is an initiative committed to increasing the participation of women and girls in mountain biking by identifying and reducing barriers that keep them away. GRiT is focused on recruiting and retaining female-identifying student-athletes, mentors, and coaches to create space for them to thrive and be part of an active and inclusive community.
Why focus only on women and girls?
Mountain biking is a young sport, and though it’s changing, it has been historically marketed to male riders. Bikes are a way for everyone to participate in the outdoors, but for women and girls, it hasn’t been made obvious enough they are welcome, too. GRiT is like the welcoming committee. Like a social club, it gives women and female-identifying student-athletes (including their moms, sisters, and friends) a way to engage in mountain biking and explore it in their own way.
Now, the fun stuff.
NICA is all about fun, and Nebraska GRiT takes that mantra to the next level. Women and female-identifying student-athletes can expect to participate in Nebraska GRiT-only group rides, camps, and social outings, where they will be exposed to learning opportunities both on and off the bike, meet other riders like them, and engage with super rad mentors who love sharing this sport. Those involved in Nebraska GRiT will come away with new skills, new friends, and a new way to view themselves.
Resources will include:
- GRiT Coordinators and mentors for female team coaches and student-athletes
- GRiT events at races to engage riders who don’t race but still want to participate in some way
- GRiT space at races to meet other female students from around the community
How does one get involved?
Being a part of Nebraska’s GRiT program is easy. As long as riders are part of the league, it’s just a matter of contacting the GRiT coordinator or showing up at the next event. If you want to become a coach or volunteer, the GRiT coordinator can assist you with what it takes to sign up and be on your way to getting #moregirlsonbikes!
GRiT Ambassador Opportunity
GRiT Ambassadors are student-athlete representatives for the GRiT program, helping raise awareness of the effort to get #moregirlsonbikes and acting as a local advocate and voice for what our female student-athletes want out of the GRiT program. The GRiT Ambassador plays a key role in recruiting and retaining more girls in NICA programs at the league level. To apply, please contact your coach or the GRiT coordinator.
Contact Information: Allison Burton | allison@nebraskamtb.org