Gravity Girls at Thredbo | A Beginner's Guide to Building Mountain Bike Skills

I've ridden and owned mountain and road bikes all my life but I haven't ridden dirt trails since I was 15, so I was obviously rusty. Being almost 40 years old, with my big sporting life wins after school and university life (like running a full distance at 40), I'm a HUGE believer in lifelong learning and continuous skill building. So, I headed to Thredbo for MTB season.

The plan was to take part in a Gravity girls session run by Jo Larkin and the Thredbo team. I didn't know what to expect and wasn't even sure what “Gravity Girls” was referring to, but I was determined and willing to try.

“Thredbo Gravity Girls is a mountain bike program aimed at women who want to improve their gravity riding and confidence on the mountain. The women's only mountain bike day clinic is designed to bring the female cycling community together to help them improve their MTB riding skills in a supportive environment with other fun and inspiring like-minded riders,” said Jo Larkin, Thredbo Mountain Bike instructor and key. coach of the Gravity Girls.

First, they outfitted me with a helmet, clothing, and a cool rental bike, even though 90% of the group has their own bikes. The group of girls chatted to find out what to expect from the day and got a safety talk, stretching session, and going over the day's plan. Then we hit the Thredbo gondola with our MTBs. Fortunately, the gondola crew was very helpful, helping me hook up my bike to the house. At the top, we headed to the chairlift and repeated the process to actually reach the top of the descent session. Then we regrouped on the dirt to get ready to feel gravity take us down.

Program Focus

Jo explained the focus of the skills programme:

“This program is suitable for all levels of rider, most riders are intermediate level looking to improve their gravity skills, including dynamic cornering, developing more stability at speed, and being smooth in all terrains leading to increased confidence. Beginner gravity riders, with a can-do attitude, will enjoy the program thanks to the addition of Upper and Lower Easy Rider routes accessed by the Cruiser Chairlift at Merritts. These routes consist of easy, flat corners linked together by a soft surface, which supports the beginning gravity rider to gain confidence as the pressure increases.”

The gravity track consisted of a snake-like descent from side to side, with berms and unforgiving obstacles, such as rocks and dirt spots. Riding down this track kept us focused, and we had many stops where Jo and the team adjusted our posture, grips, or pointed out different areas where small improvements could improve our experience.

The Growth of Women's Mountain Biking

There has been a huge increase in women participating in mountain biking over the past five years. With this, Jo has seen a huge increase in skill levels, bikes, and gear since launching the Gravity Girls program in 2016.

“Many women are riding high quality bikes, investing in good gear, and they know how to ride! “Gravity Girls help them push their ride, whether it's turning a smooth or dynamic corner, testing pressure control by using their suspension more effectively, or achieving better lines over rock gardens,” says Jo.

If you climb up to the Eagle's Nest in the saddle during the MTB season, you'll notice a crossroad below, many with big jumps and very successful riders flying off their lips.

READ: See AMB Skills Tips

“The Merritts area has many trails including the Upper and Lower Easy Rider Grasshopper, mid-all Mountain, and Sidewinder to improve gravity skills. Intermediate and advanced riders enjoy improving their skills on the Paparazzi, Ricochet, and Lower All Mountain, as well as the Kosciuszko Flow Trail and Cannonball sections. Due to the small group sizes, the coaches provide one-on-one training to reinforce the skills and techniques covered along the way. “Coaches work on body position, cornering, pressure management, active braking, and rider flow, and aim to ride as many routes as possible across the park to help riders gain significant distance while learning new skills,” explains Jo.

Amazing Experience

I've ridden in Thredbo before, near the valley, and I know it's a really amazing place to be. The mountains seem to breathe and move with life, creating an environment full of enthusiasm and love. Spending the day with a trained, patient group (I'm pretty sure I was the worst in the group), explaining the obvious and taking turns practicing, was a blast. Not to mention eating our picnic lunch next to the babbling Thredbo River—it was magical. It definitely makes me want to try Easy Rider again this coming season and bring my friends.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

For upcoming events and workshops, go here to book.

Gear Recommendations for a Gravity Girl Day:

– Full face helmet
– Full finger gloves
– Knee pads (essential) and elbow and chest protection (recommended)
– Comfortable cycling pants or shorts, jersey, and MTB shoes (non-slip sneakers work, but proper cycling shoes are best)

Not sure what gear to get?
READ: AMB Group Test Full Face Helmet
READ: AMB Mountain Bike Grips Group Test
READ: AMB Knee Pads Group Test

For all mountain bike courses and clinics, visit thredbo.com.au/biking.

Jo Larkin has been involved in teaching mountain biking since the late 1990s and more since 2015 when the sport really took off. He is a Level 2 & Air PMBIA Instructor and caters for all levels of riders.