What Drives Women to Race?

A pro cyclist recently asked these questions on the Harpeth Bike Club site. She seems to be interested in creating a website directed toward women and focused on getting them to race. The questions are very interesting, and I enjoyed answering them, based on both my experience and my interaction with other racers.

1. What drives women to enter the sport of cycling?
   

   Often, knowing other women who race or ride and having them talk to you about riding is was drives women to enter the sport of cycling. Hearing that other women are involved opens the door to others and reminds us that the opportunity is there to try something different.

2. Is it the competitive nature, fitness and health, or friendship/peer pressure?
   

   Cycling is definitely competitive and helps with fitness and health. Both of these could draw women into the sport, but those aspects draw certain people in. For example, if someone is competitive by nature, they'll be drawn to the competitive side of racing (road races, criteriums, track racing, triathlons). However, if that woman is not competitive but wants to increase her physical ability or improve her health, she'll be drawn into the sport for different reasons.
   

3. Is there one thing that trumps all other forms of motivation to enter a race?
   

   1. An athlete's competitive spirit trumps all other forms of motivation to enter a race. After that, I would say the order of decision-making (as far as whether to enter a race or which ones to do) is something like this:
   2. Can I win? (Or, do I want to win?)
   3. Who else will be racing in this race?
   4. Does the course suit me? (Or, is it hilly if I'm a climber or flat if I'm a triathlete?)
   5. Has someone else done this race who can tell me all about it?
   6. How far will I have to travel, and how much will it cost?
   7. Are any of my local training partners racing, so we can travel together?

4. What does a comprehensive website need to encourage women to try riding and racing?
   

   Helpful information on a comprehensive website would be testimonials, opportunities, mechanical information, cost estimates. Testimonials from other female riders are a great place to start. Everyone wants to know if someone else has done this and what her experience was. Then she'll know whether she can do it and how much it will take to get involved. As far as opportunities to ride, including, for example, a list of regional or state's bike club's websites so that the woman can find out what's going on in her area would be helpful information; this would provide a way for her to get connected quickly. Basic mechanical information is always helpful; it will give readers a starting point on how to maintain their bikes if they can't take them into a bike shop regularly. Cost estimates, especially regarding bicycles and race entry fees, will help prepare the women for how much they can expect to spend and help them decide whether it's a feasible and wise decision.

5. What, if anything, eliminates the intimidation factor of attempting to ride or race?
   

   Cycling in general is a great sport because you can compete or you can ride; many races are available throughout the season, but many group rides, which are often leisurely in nature, are also available. Knowing that you can relax or hammer while you're out riding with a group, and that you can decide in the middle of a ride to take it easy and still have people to ride with, helps eliminate any intimidation factor of attempting to ride. The best way to eliminate the intimidation factor of attempting to race is to talk to other women who have raced, get input from them, train with them, and then just go out there and do one. It's like anything in life: You're not going to be perfect the first time you do something, but the more you practice and the more experience you get, the better you'll be if you continue to put the time into training.