Dirt Divas - Women's mountain biking courses

A few dedicated Dirt Divas have grouped together to form a Race Team, here you can read the members profiles... We will be taking part in various races throughout the year including the Gorrick XC Spring Series as well as some enduro events. We will share with you our stories of the races and events by means of regular updates on our news page.
Jacqueline Easton My first ever Gorrick XC race was back in October 1995, all I can remember was being very concerned about not getting lost on the course, then somehow I ended up winning the novice category and I was hooked! Over the years the Gorrick events have been really good fun and a great way of improving my riding skills. This year I’m planning on taking part in more enduro races. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me chilling out on a deserted beach somewhere, come rain or shine.

Natalia Wase As an ex-rower, mountain biking seemed like an attractive prospect, mainly because I thought it would be dry and didn't involve an early start. Well... I don't think there was one tiny patch of me that was anything other than completely drenched after two hours of riding in the relentless November rain! What I still fail to understand was why, by the end of it - when I was frozen, caked in mud, with a plethora of bruises and a wheel so beautifully buckled that it would not look out of place in the Tate Modern - I was still grinning from ear to ear! Natalia is the the 2009 Gorrick XC Spring Series Open champion! When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me either out running with my crazy dog, on my road bike or eating lots of pies.

Cathy Thomas I started mountain biking towards the end of 2008 after being dissuaded from buying a road bike as they are "too boring"! I went on to do my first Dirt Divas course in April 2009 and sampled my first taste of competition at the Gorrick Spring Series that same month. Since then I’ve been riding and racing whenever I get the chance. 2010 was a great year for me, sampling my first 24hr enduro with the Dirt Divas team at Mountain Mayhem and topping the podium of the Sport category in the National XC Series. Not boring at all! When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me on my road bike, dodging London buses on the way to work.

Sarah Calver Running was always my passion, until I entered an adventure race with a few friends. Being covered in mud, soaking wet and pushed to the extreme by the end of the race I knew I'd found a new passion. So, 2 years down the line, I'm now riding out as a Dirt Diva! This is my 1st season in the Gorrick races, having competed in 2 so far. I also did the E2E on the Isle of Man in 2010. Huge improvement is needed in my confidence and skills, but I'm totally hooked. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me socialising, and I'm still running.

Tracy Peacey All my family cycle, so when they started racing I fancied a go. I entered a couple of fun races and got a 2nd and a 3rd, but could have done better if I'd have had more confidence. I decided to do a Dirt Divas course which was brilliant. I am hoping to do the Merida Brass Monkeys Series and the Gorrick Spring Series. When I'm not on my mountain bike... I’m out with my springer spaniel Max or eating curry with my mates.

Elaine Hobbin I started mountain biking in 2009 as a way of getting healthier after a bad case of pneumonia. By 2010 I felt ready to take it further and had my first private lesson with Dirt Divas as well as doing a Drops & Jumps course. I’ve never looked back! I now have my first Gorrick race behind me and I am looking forward to being part of the Dirt Divas race team. It feels great to be part of something so positive! My kids think it’s really cool AND I can now keep up with my hubby on the trails too!! When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me chilling out with a good bottle of red, or simply being with my lovely family!

Andrea Fawell Are you sure you want me on the team? I cried when I was asked to join Dirt Divas race team. I am a mum of two and work full time so I will never make the podium but those precious few hours every week on the bike are some of the most joyous. With a few skills learned giving me confidence to push hard and a decent bike I feel like a flying machine on the descents and the sheer thrill of it makes every inch of the up hill climbs worthwhile. I love it! When I'm not on my mountain bike... You will find me eating and drinking and hanging out with my daughters and the occasional run with my collie.

Davina Breaden I’ve always been a runner but after picking up another knee injury I decided to start cycling to keep myself fit and went on the Back to Basics course in August 2010. What a revelation that was... I absolutely loved it! I never thought I’d consider giving up running but it has now taken a back seat to mountain biking! I’m really excited about racing and looking forward to the Gorrick Spring Series. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You will find me either out running, on my road bike or eating cake!

Julie Smith I came to mountain biking from triathlon, looking for something a bit different, and frankly also looking for a sport where you get to wear actual clothes rather than a snippet of lycra! On the bike, I lacked confidence and, er, any skills at all so I signed up for the Back to Basics Dirt Divas course in October 2010. I was nervous but it was such a good day and I did my first race two months later. Muddy and really good fun! When I'm not on my mountain bike... I’ll probably be having a nice sit down and a cuppa.

Yasmine Easton I'm nearly 12 years old and I have been racing the Gorrick series for quite a while now. I am really looking forward to my next race because they are so much fun. My favourite bit is going through muddy puddles and it's very exciting being on the start line. Yasmine is the 2010 Gorrick Spring Series Under 12 champion. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me playing with my cat, drawing pictures or playing on the computer.

Georgia Valentine I love mountain biking and have been riding for as long as I can remember. I just turned 10 in time for the 2009 Gorrick Autumn Classic series and could not wait to take part! I was a bit nervous about finding my way around the first time but actually it was quite easy as the course was well marked. I competed in all seven Gorrick races in 2010 and really enjoyed it. Georgia came 2nd in the 2010 Gorrick Spring Series Under 12 category. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me playing football or curled up on the sofa with a good book.

Lauren Peacey I’ve been riding a bike since I was 2 years old. I won the Southern Cross Series 2009. In May 2010 I had a mega crash on the Purbecks where I live and lost my confidence, so in June I did a Dirt Divas course and I really enjoyed it. My confidence has gone up some levels. When I'm not on my mountain bike... You can find me playing with my springer spaniel dog or tormenting my brother!