How Do We Get More Women Into Mountain Biking? With Mia de Paula

Why aren’t more women mountain biking? Where are they when you open up the bike mags or scroll Pinkbike?

It’s a question I think about a lot. While female representation on the trails has increased a lot in the 20 years I’ve been riding, there still a gender gap, especially when it comes to anything gravity-oriented.

My guest today has been fighting to change that for years. Mia de Paula is the founder of the Women’s MTB Network, the first mountain bike media outlet and resource hub created by women, for women. She is fired up about this topic in the best possible way.

In this conversation, we get into some of the issues that are deterring women from the sport: the high cost, the lack of gear designed for women, and an industry that still isn’t putting women in decision-making seats. We also talk about what’s working, who’s getting it right, and what it would take to really move the needle.

Listen To The Interview

Key Takeaways

No time for the full episode? Here are some key takeaways:

The Cost of the Sport Is a Real Barrier

• A quality mountain bike costs $3,000–$10,000. That’s a significant barrier for a lot of women, especially those with families and kids who also need bikes.
• The industry keeps pushing new standards every year (bigger wheels, new components) which means gear that was already expensive becomes outdated faster.
• Events and races add another layer of cost. Mia advocates for race organizers to offer discounts or scholarships specifically to encourage women and girls to participate.

Women Need Better-Fitting Gear

• Protective gear is still a major gap. Chest protectors and knee pads aren’t designed for curvier or bustier women, which means many riders either go unprotected or can’t find gear that fits.
• Shoes are an issue too. Women with smaller feet (size 6 and under) often can’t find MTB shoes that fit well.
• Clothing still skews pink and purple, or is cut for a body type that doesn’t represent most women. Brands like Shredly and Curious Creatures are leading the way, but there’s a long way to go.

Community Is One of the Most Powerful Tools for Getting Women on Bikes

• Many women don’t get into mountain biking, or don’t stick with it, because they don’t feel like there’s a place for them. Finding a group changes everything.
• The Women’s MTB Network website lists clubs, coaches, and events from around the world so women can find community close to them.
• Mia points to the power of women-led group rides as a place where there’s no judgment, everyone cheers each other on, and the focus is on fun, not speed or tech.

The Industry Needs Women in Decision-Making Seats

• Women make up close to 43% of cyclists but only around 3% of top decision-makers at major cycling brands. That gap is at the root of a lot of these problems.
• When women aren’t in the room, marketing strategies miss the mark, targeting a narrow “bro” demographic that doesn’t even represent most male riders, let alone women.
• Real change means broadening who gets a seat at the table, not just tokenizing a handful of women.

Girls Need to Be Invited Into the Gravity Side of the Sport Early

• At gravity and downhill programs, it’s still common to see one girl for every 20+ boys, even at young ages.
• Event organizers and coaches can make a difference by actively recruiting girls, offering incentives to enter, and creating low-pressure preview days so the trails don’t feel intimidating.
• Mia spotlights 13-year-old ambassador Lily Erinson, who is already calling race organizers to advocate for girls’ discounts and organizing peer ride days.

There Are Brands and People Getting It Right, Support Them

• Cannondale has been a consistent supporter of the Women’s MTB Network, providing bikes to review and funding for events.
• Pro mountain biker and event organizer Brayden Bringhurst built gender equity into Hard MTB League from day one: equal pay, women’s input on course design, and no separate “women’s version.”
• Salsa and Shredly have also stepped up. Seek out and support the brands that are putting their money where their mouth is.

💜 Connect With Mia de Paula / Women’s MTB Network

👉 Instagram: @womensmtbnetwork
👉 Website: https://womensmtbnetwork.com

Other Episodes You Will Enjoy

• Mountain Biking At 40, 50, and Beyond With Lindsey Richter
• How To Develop Your Mountain Bike Skills & Confidence With Joanna Yates
• Conquering Imposter Syndrome With Shanna Powell (aka Endless Bike Girl)

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