Beti Bike Bash is going to be a Blast | 303Cycling News

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Beti Bike Bash is going to be a Blast

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 06:04 in Hot Topic Mountain Bike Racing The second edition of Colorado's first and only women's mountain bike race is scheduled for this weekend at Bear Creek Lake Park in Denver. The Beti Bike Bash, run by the Yeti Beti Mountain Bike team based in Golden, drew 170 finishers in 2010. More than 90 of the participants were beginner-class riders. This year, the event will continue to cater to such green racers with their own category and a clinic with Rebecca Rusch on Saturday. For pros, the event has upped the ante with a $3,000 cash purse provided by Stans NoTubes. Even if you can't or don't want to race, you can still participate in the weekend events by attending a showing of Race Across the Sky on Friday, June 10 at the Tivoli in Denver. The money raised that night will be donated to COMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Mountain2Mountain (M2M), a nonprofit organization working to help empower the people of Afghanistan, with a focus on women and girls and gender equity. Also, head out to the park on Saturday for a skills clinic taught by pro, female riders. More information can be found on the Beti Bike Bash website: http://www.betibikebash.com/ 303 Cycling caught up with Amy of the Yeti Betis to learn more about the event and why you (or your wife, or your daughter, or your sister) should participate. Registration is still open - you can sign up online or in person this Friday at Outdoor Divas. + Give us a brief reminder of why and how the event got started. No one was doing a women's-only MTB event and YetiBeti thought there should be one to encourage more women to try mountain bike racing. Last year ... we discovered a lot of women want to race, given the right environment. + Why choose mountain biking as a way to support M2M? I met Shannon Galpin, the founder of M2M, at the Breck Epic last year. The [Yeti Beti] team wanted to use the race as a way to get M2M's message out to more women who would have that common bond between helping and riding. We presented the idea to Shannon and she loved it. Women helping women via fat tires. We are donating a portion of the event proceeds to M2M. + How did the inaugural event go last year? With no marketing budget, registering 200 women was remarkable for a first-year event. + What is new for 2011? The best way to attract pro women to a race is to have them race for a good prize purse. Cindy Koziatek, the co-owner of Stan's NoTubes, really liked what we did last year and wanted to support this year's event. We're pretty excited in that not only did Stan's provide our $3000 cash purse, but Cindy is coming out for the event as well.
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Yeah, by the time you did the 1 hour 9 min ago U gotta be kidding 10 hours 7 min ago Koppenberg video is Back! 10 hours 38 min ago no. there are plenty on the

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Beti Bike Bash is going to be a Blast | 303Cycling News

http://303cycling.com/2011-beti-bike-bash-review

Immediately after talking to M2M's Shannon Galpin, she put me in direct contact with Rebecca Rusch. Rebecca said she wanted to do more than just show up and race. She brought on SRAM as a sponsor. SRAM is bringing its demo truck for the women's clinic on Saturday, June 11 (at Bear Creek Lake Park). Rebecca gathered up the SRAM-sponsored mountain biking women to do the MTB clinic for women of all levels. We've also added, thanks to Rebecca, a showing of Race Across the Sky on Friday, June 10 at the Tivoli in Denver. All the money raised that night will be donated to COMBA, IMBA, and Mountain2Mountain. + Why is it important or even necessary to have an event that is women-only? At our mountain bike races here in Colorado and elsewhere, we weren't seeing many new female faces each season. It's not rocket science to figure out that mountain biking is very intimidating, with racing even more so. We looked at factors that might discourage beginner women and tried to design something more inviting that what's otherwise available. It's relatively cheap, close to home, and easy enough of a course for most women to be challenged and to finish. + How do you make the event appealing for both pros and newbies? We talked to our friends at races and ask what they want from a race. For the pro women, it's easy: they want better (or any) cash purses. For the other categories, we really highlight that the event is about meeting other women and getting a sweet goodie bag worth over $100, including a Twin Six race T-shirt. + What do you want to say to beginner mountain bikers and non-racing types who might be on the fence about registering? Having 90 beginner women last year was amazing! We really focus on the fun factor with the event. We have something for everyone. Come out with your husband or boyfriend to see the 2010 Race Across the Sky on Friday. Or sign up for the women's MTB clinic on Saturday. Or sign up for all three events and make it a weekend! + If it hasn't been said already, what's the most important thing we need to know about the Beti Bike Bash? It's THIS SUNDAY and this year has so many great additions! Register online through Friday 6 a.m., in person at Outdoor Divas Friday 4-6 p.m., or on race day (with added $10 late fee). + If it hasn't been said already, what's the most important thing we need to know about race day? The beginner race starts at 9 a.m. Give yourself plenty of time if you have to register and/or get your race packet. We'll also have our friends, the Organic Mechanics, on site race day to help with any last minute bike mechanicals Saturday and Sunday. Add new comment

13 hours 5 min ago Need more road races 14 hours 45 min ago more

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Is there a shortage of MTB races for men?

Submitted by Mike (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 15:51. I can't believe the amount of comments on the Beti Bash? Is there a shortage of races for men to enter that they need to waiste energy complaining about one race???? If the promoter wants to put on a grass roots type of event to get more women into the sport, then ALL THE BETTER! reply

That entire discussion was

Submitted by Steve (not verified) on Mon, 06/13/2011 - 13:36. That entire discussion was so comical. reply

"It's not rocket science to

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 08:07. "It's not rocket science to figure out that mountain biking is very intimidating, with racing even more so." Ahh, the new excuse for gender discrimination.

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Beti Bike Bash is going to be a Blast | 303Cycling News

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reply

WTF
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 16:36. Honestly, your comment kinda sounds like something Cartman would say. reply

what discrimination?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 10:48. what discrimination? reply

Exclusive, women only event

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 12:22. Exclusive, women only event ... by definition..... can't argue with definitions reply

I say
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 21:40. good for the female race reply

No gender checks at race

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 21:09. Venus de Miles event is also a women's only event but there is a loop hole, if you dress up like a women the male riders seem to get in.... (whispering) they don't perform gender checks at these events. So if you really want to get in this event I'm sure that loop hole will exists. All your male friends will be giving you high fives if you land on the podium. So do you really want to race? reply

Why can't we simply hold

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 10:14. Why can't we simply hold events without any sort of dress code? reply

What do you mean, can't

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 17:29. What do you mean, can't argue with definitions? Are you saying that any time there is an event that isn't open to absolutely everyone is discrimination against those who aren't part of the 'invited' group? Is an ACA event discrimination against USAC license holders? Is it discriminatory when the cat 3s line up for a race, and the cat 4s are on the sidelines? It is absurd to say that a promoter has to put on an event open to everyone, and to fail to do so is discrimination. It's just a choice as to who the race is for, and in this case the race promoters have a very admirable intention - to support more women in mountainbiking. If that's not to your liking, and you really, really want to race with them, you can get the necessary procedures taken care of down in Trinidad. You can race next year. reply

Your comment is absurd. The

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 10:12. Your comment is absurd. The criteria here is gender, not the license that you hold. While the intent may be admirable, the process is still as discriminatory one. Although it is a public park, if you are a male, you may not do this race. Intentions, license, trinidad has nothing to do with it. You are trying to make absurd arguments because you can not make logical ones. reply

Those mizzable bastahds

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Beti Bike Bash is going to be a Blast | 303Cycling News

http://303cycling.com/2011-beti-bike-bash-review

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 20:17. I can't believe they held a "juniors only" event last week. As a masters racer, I insist they should have a field for me. How dare they discriminate! reply

If you showed them your

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 10:17. If you showed them your johnson, I bet that they would have allowed you into the field. reply

Only works for pedalfiles

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 15:42. Only works for pedalfiles reply

Like
Submitted by Kris Thompson on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 20:24. I like your comment! reply

Discrimination? Nope.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 13:27. I don't see any discrimination in mentioning that mountain bike racing is intimidating. It is for men as well. I happen to LOVE the upbeat attitude of a women only event! I'm very happy to have this option available! No men swearing at me to get out of their way? Bravo! reply

I think it's cool

Submitted by Thom (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 14:08. Women get treated differently than men on the trail. I can't believe some of the stuff my female mtbing friends tell me. Those who deride the merits of a women focused mtb event don't know what the hell they're talking about. Instead of complaining you should consider volunteering at the event bike chicks! reply

Remember the uproar a few

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2011 - 14:28. Remember the uproar a few years ago when a promoter wanted to have the men and women race together? Oh the threats against the promoters AND sponsors. Unlike this event, at least the women COULD race. Yep, definitely know what I am talking about. reply

"Yep, definitely know what I

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 10:47. "Yep, definitely know what I am talking about" At least you do, because nobody else does or even cares. reply

And yet you replied. You did

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2011 - 11:01. And yet you replied. You did not add to the conversation, but you took the time to reply. reply

there is certainly discrimination in cycling

Submitted by Andy (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 09:06.

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Anonymous, I don't believe I've ever seen you chime in on unequal prize money for men and women. Surely you realize that many races still offer less $$ to the women's fields. But as soon as there is a women's only bike race (which does a fabuous job of encouraging women to participate...thus growing our sport as a whole, which is good for ALL of us) you claim discrimination. Perhaps you would like to pay higher entry fees for races, so the women's payout can equal the men's for every race....since ethics are clearly important to you. reply

You would be wrong. I have

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 10:16. You would be wrong. I have chimed in on many occasions. Why should the 15 pro women race for purses equal to the ones offered to the 100 men that are racing? It is unequal when the last place female gets $$$. The purse should consist of two parts. A fixed amount determined by sponsorship (equal for men and women), plus a percentage of the entry for that field (equal percentage of that field entry). Lots of critics, but you all continue to fail to make a good argument for the sexists event. reply

why argue
Submitted by Andy (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 14:38. Why does any argument have to be made to justify having this cool race? reply

The argument is not for

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 15:04. The argument is not for having the sexists race. The failed argument is that it is not a sexists race. Is a discriminatory event at a public park. There once was an attempt to have a make only triathlon in Denver, but the city pulled the permit after the uproar about it being sexists to have an exclusive event. I'll bet that those same complainers are the ones who have failed to argue that beti-Bash is not sexists. reply

if you must have the last word...

Submitted by Professional Cat 4 Racer Guy (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 16:27. Yes. Strictly by definition it discriminates. Happy? BFD!! All mental gymnastics and philopsophy 101 aside, most people seem agree that this is a cool opportunity for a women's bike race and really don't give a shit what the technical definition of "discrimination" is in this instance. Sounds like you might be the only one who's got his Lycra in a wad over this. Awesome bike race. Hope it rocks! [And yes professor, you win the debate. You clearly understand the absolute legal text definition of the word discrimination better than us. Us lay people just like cool bike events.] reply

Exxxxxxcellent, squirm you

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 16:40. Exxxxxxcellent, squirm you Cat 4 rider and cat 4 debater. reply

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Exactly! There's merit to
Submitted by Jerry (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 11:15. Exactly! There's merit to this percentage idea. Prizes for SM35+4 should go like 40 deep, socks and stickers all around. 99% think the Beti Bike Bash is totally rad. Deal. Or maybe organize a man race, call it Sausage and Spokes, these guys will be there: http://bit.ly /lDyfUW reply

http://303cycling.com/2011-beti-bike-bash-review

You would think that a

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 16:43. You would think that a totally rad event would draw more than 149 participants. reply

Really, 99%? I was going to

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 15:00. Really, 99%? I was going to say that 99% agree that it is sexists. It may have good intentions, but that doesn't mean it is not sexists. Why can't you accept that? reply

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