Whatever your involvement in cycling, we want to hear about it. This month we hear from Molly, who shares her experiences in mountain biking and taking part in Scottish Cycling’s Ride The Worlds initiative.
My name is Molly, I`m nine years old and I live in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. I started mountain biking when I was four years old. My Dad would take me to the Tarland trails, Glenlivet and to ride the White Lady at Pitfichie.
My first mountain bike race was the U10 mini downhill at Fort William in 2022 where I came 4th. I also did the Scottish Enduro Series shred squad 7-12 years race at Pitfichie where I came 2nd. I like Pitfichie, the trials are really fun with rocks, roots and mud.
In 2023, I have been able to do loads more races which is really exciting as I love racing. I was able to take part in Doon the Brae Enduro Series in the girl’s 9-13 category and I have raced at Glenlivet, Aboyne, Ptifichie and Tarland. I have had some great results: first at Tarland, second at Pitfichie and third at Glenlivet and Aboyne, winning in the closely fought U13 female category.
I also spent time this year helping to build and clear the trail at the Lecht for the mini downhill race (Race the Worlds). It was great fun helping and trying out the trial, we even had a BBQ at the top. There was even a gap jump named after me.
The race at the Lecht was fun, we had a chair lift so we didn`t have to push up the hill. I came 1st in the U10 girls, and I also beat the U12 girls, so I got to race at the Race the Worlds final at Fort William.
It was great at Fort William as there were lots of girls racing and my friend Logan also got to race in the U10 boys. I came 4th and was really pleased. Mum brought me a UCI highland cow which I called Bill. I also got to see all the elite riders racing and got a photo with Tahnee Seagrave.
I would love it if more girls got into downhill mountain bike racing because it’s great fun and if there were more downhill races for us to do.
Thank you Molly for being our first guest blogger in our new BlogHer series.
If you are a woman or girl in cycling, and have an experience you want to share, we are looking for guest bloggers. If you would like to share your story, please get in touch with Melanie, our Women and Girls Development Manager, at: [email protected]