What is Spin Sisters?
Spin Sisters is a women’s cycling club in Calgary which brings together women of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport of mountain biking. Women can learn or improve skills in a non-intimidating environment. We welcome members who ride recreationally or competitively.
Who can join the club?
Any woman who has an interest in mountain biking.
What skill level is the club for?
We have 3 different ride categories depending on skill level: Scooters, Cruisers, and Rockets.
The Scooters are typically novice riders. The focus of Scooter group rides is on having fun and building skills. Trails ridden will be of low to moderate technical difficulty and the group will stop often to allow riders rest time or to work on technical skills. Scooters should sign up for the club’s riding skills clinic.
Cruisers are intermediate riders who mostly ride continuously at a moderate pace. Cruisers are anticipated to have some level of physical fitness along with basic climbing and descending technical abilities. Cruiser rides are intended to progress the late-beginner rider. These rides may take place on the same trails as advanced rides – Cruiser’s are expected to know their own personal limits. Cruiser rides progress in technical difficulty as the season progresses and as members’ physical fitness improves.
Rockets are advanced riders, who focus on riding technical terrain without stopping (other than to keep together). Group members will be required to have a high level of physical fitness and strong technical mountain biking ability. Rocket rides often do not have an assigned ride leader. They assume good trail knowledge, bike maintenance ability and well-prepared riders.
During what months do the Spin Sisters plan rides?
May through to September, inclusive. Check out the ride schedule on our website. May and September are typically city and road rides. Mountain rides start at the beginning of June, weather dependent.
What night are club rides, what time do we start, and where is the meeting location?
The Club organizes rides every Wednesday night beginning in May and continuing until the end of September. Don't forget to check the calendar for the ride location and the forum for updates on ride day. For rides in May, we meet at the trail head, ready to ride at 6:00 PM. For out of town rides starting in June, we leave the city at 6:00 PM, so arrive at least 15 minutes early at the Stoney Trail parking lot (Stoney Trail and Trans-Canada Hwy: Former Esso) to get yourself in a carpool! Or, be at the trailhead for 6:45 PM. Saturday rides leave the commuter parking lot at 9:00 AM.
Ride calendar, trail descriptions and meeting locations can be found under Schedule and Trail Descriptions.
How do I get one of those cool jerseys? I need some arm warmers....
We’ve got jerseys, shorts, arm warmers, wind jackets and other stuff available for purchase. You can buy this stuff here.
What do I get with my $59 annual membership fee?
* Weekly organized club rides in Calgary and surrounding areas
* Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA) insurance ($35 cost per participant)
* 20% discount on parts, clothing & accessories at Bow Cycle
* Membership "grab bag"
* Women’s Riding Skills Clinics, instructed by Level 1 coaches
* Bike maintenance clinics
* Subsidized nutrition and/or first aid clinics
* Social and Special Events
Can I try a ride before joining the club?
Unfortunately not. Our club insurance does not allow people to try the club before joining. You must be registered and have your waiver signed before you can join a club ride. Once you’ve submitted your signed waiver, you will receive a Spin Sister membership card which must be presented/viewable at the start of each ride.
Can I bring my registration form and waiver to the rides?
No! You must have registered via Karelo (on our website) no later than one day before the next ride (i.e. register by Tuesday night if you plan attend a Wednesday night club ride). At the info night in April, bring your waiver with you (details of the info night will be posted on the website and forum). You'll receive your member identification card once we've received this waiver. Without your ID card, you will not be able to join a group ride due to insurance purposes. As a last resort, you can bring the waiver to your first club ride. We will not be able to accept any monies or registration at the club rides.
How do I become a member?
