Rides

Ride Levels

The Spin Sisters Ride Program’s objectives are to provide weekly rides for women mountain bikers of five levels:  Lime, Lemon, Blueberry, Cherry, and Blackberry. See the "Ride Categories" below for more info! Unsure of what "fruit" you are? Click here to download our handy skill level questionnaire!

Ride Locations

Spin Sisters ride in and around the Calgary area, including Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country, Canmore and Banff.

Ride Season

Rides begin after information nights have been completed, and go until the end of October, weather permitting. Ride locations, start times, and durations are selected based on the amount of daylight for the time of year.

The 2023 ride schedule will be available on Wild Apricot. Click here to view the schedule in the Member Zone.

Weekend Trips

Anyone who wants to volunteer to organize a trip is welcome to do so. You can contact the Rides committee with the necessary information (location, dates, carpool options, etc.) and they will help get it set up in Wild Apricot.

Past years have included trips for all levels and locations such as Fernie, Invermere, Golden, Revelstoke, Crowsnest Pass, and Medicine Hat.

Ride Categories

There are five ride categories: Lime and Lemon, Blueberry, and Cherry and Blackberry. They're based on both technical riding ability and fitness level. These criteria should be equally considered when you placing yourself in a riding category. Our skill level questionnaire can be downloaded RIGHT HERE! The goal is to ensure that you have fun and stay safe, while still being able to challenge yourself. We do encourage you to move up to the next level if you think you might be ready.

Pro Tip:

If a larger group of ladies shows up for a ride, the easiest way to break the group up is to do a short climb first (most trails start with a climb!) and see how everyone "shakes out," then split into groups based on climbing speed. You can re-organize at the top for the downhill!

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Lime and Lemon – Novice and Beginner Riders

The Lime and Lemon riders are beginner riders, who ride infrequently, or have lower physical fitness levels. The focus of the Lime and Lemon group rides is to get out on singletrack and build basic riding skills.

Trails 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.

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Blueberry – Intermediate Riders

Blueberry riders are intermediate riders who ride at a moderate pace. They have some level of physical fitness along with basic climbing and descending technical abilities.

These rides may be on more challenging terrain both technically and physically.

Riders are expected to know their own personal limits. Blueberry riders should have the ability to ride at a more continuous pace.

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Cherry and Blackberry – Advanced Riders

Cherry and Blackberry riders are advanced riders who focus on riding technical terrain with minimal stopping (other than to keep together). Group members will be required to have a high level of physical fitness and strong technical ability.

They would feel comfortable riding any trail shown on the ride calendar.

Ride Ambassadors and Sweeps

Why should you be a ride ambassador?

Acting as a ride ambassador is a great way to give back to Spin Sisters! It is an easy way to get to know other people in the club and help other people to have a good ride. You can also win some great prizes throughout the season!

A Ride Ambassador:

  • is someone who ensures the group rides the intended trail and stays together (even in the event of an injury or mechanical);
  • is familiar with the trail or has a trail map;
  • asks for membership cards at beginning of rides, and takes frequent head counts throughout the ride;
  • does NOT provide riding advice;
  • carries a first aid kit, whistle, and cell phone for emergency use;
  • is familiar with ABA Risk Management;
  • promotes fun!

A Ride Ambassador does NOT deed to be:

  • an expert rider;
  • the fastest rider in the group;
  • an Emergency Medical Technician.

A Ride Sweep:

  • is someone who rides at the end of the group to ensure everyone arrives at the destination;
  • should be able to handle basic repairs such as flat tires and broken chains;
  • stays with a rider who drops out and lets the rest of the group know;
  • is familiar with ABA Risk Management.

Ready to host or sweep a ride?

When you sign up for a ride on Wild Apricot, just indicate that you will be the Ambassador or Sweep. It's that easy! And if your plans change, just update your attendance in Wild Apricot.

  1. Rider Responsibilities and Trail Etiquette

A person attending a Spin Sisters ride is considered a “rider”. All riders are responsible to:

  1. Sign up for rides on Wild Apricot up until 3 pm on the day of the ride.
  2. Cancel ride registration via Wild Apricot if you cannot attend.
  3. Attend at least three rides (or events) during the season.
  4. Arrive at the ride location 10-15 minutes early to prepare your bike and introduce yourself to the ride leader.
  5. Be prepared for rides. Make sure to bring:
    • Bike
    • Helmet (No helmet, no ride)
    • Spin Sisters Membership Card (No card, no ride)
    • Water
    • Snacks
    • Repair kit (tools, extra tube, trail pump)
    • Mask
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Gloves
    • Appropriate weather gear
    • First aid kit (optional)
  6. Be bear aware! Talk loudly and often, and DO NOT approach wildlife. Do not leave garbage behind.
  7. Rides will not run if lightning is present and will be cancelled if lightning is sighted.
  8. No dogs are allowed on any Spin Sisters rides.
  9. No Drops Policy! All riders are expected to keep tabs on the rider behind them. Be patient, wait for others, and be prepared to look for and help injured or lost riders. We are all responsible for each others' safety.
  10. Keep a safe riding distance from other riders (no closer than two bike-length distances from the rider in front of you, unless both of you are having a conversation, etc.).
  11. Make any concerns or issues known to the rider leader (with regards to injuries, abilities, time constraints, etc.).
  12. Listen to the ride leader (which direction to go, splitting the group, keeping the group together, etc.).
  13. All members should know how to fix common problems encountered with bikes on the trail (eg. flat tire or broken chain). If you don't know how, sign up for a Maintenance Clinic*. 
  14. Try and evaluate your skill level as best you can (and ask a more experienced rider for feedback if you're not sure).
  15. Respect the trails! Please respect work being performed by Park workers by staying off of the trails being remediated and/or closed.
  16. Review ABA Risk Management and Risk and Injuries Management section below.

Thank you for doing your part to ensure the safety of ALL our riders!!

*You must be a member of Spin Sisters in order to sign up for Maintenance Clinics.

Risk and Injury Management

In the event of an injury during a Spin Sisters Ride, please complete the following Sport Injury Report Form and email to president@spinsisters.ca.

Refer to ABA website for more information.

Concussion

  • if you sustain a concussion during a Spin Sisters ride (or during any sporting activity), self-refer to the Acute Sport Concussion Clinic for follow-up after seeking medical attention. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Calgary Brain Injury Program at 403-944-8571. Please visit University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre Concussion Clinic

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