Riding High: VNTRbirds Women’s MTB Skills Clinic in Buena Vista

On Thursday, May 22nd, the VNTRbirds team rolled into Buena Vista, Colorado, for a sold-out Mountain Bike Skills Clinic designed specifically for women and non-binary riders who feel comfortable in femme-centered spaces. With over 30 excited participants and sunshine from start to finish, it was a perfect day to hit the trails, build skills, and connect with an incredible community of riders.

From the moment tires hit dirt, the energy was electric. Riders were greeted by VNTRbirds' team of experienced, professional, and certified coaches—each one passionate about the same mission: encouraging progression and getting more femme folks confidently riding bikes. Whether participants were new to mountain biking or seasoned riders looking to sharpen their technique, everyone came with open minds and ready-to-ride attitudes.

Buena Vista is more than just a good view - there's incredible trails with terrain that encourages progression.

The morning kicked off with focused skills and drills in a supportive, non-intimidating environment. With help from Rocky Talkie radios, communication between coaches and riders remained seamless, ensuring everyone stayed connected and confident throughout the day. From body positioning and braking to cornering and navigating technical features, the morning sessions laid down solid fundamentals and created space for big and small wins alike.

As the sun climbed higher, riders broke for a well-earned lunch featuring fresh watermelon and refreshing seltzer waters provided by VNTRbirds. The midday break also featured a tech talk hosted by Oveja Negra, the Salida-based makers of expertly handcrafted bikepacking and cycling bags. Their presentation offered an insider’s look into gear essentials—top tube bags, handlebar rolls, hip packs, and more—all sewn locally in Colorado with quality and care. Oveja Negra created a welcoming space for riders to ask questions and learn about gear setups for their future adventures, sparking curiosity and excitement for all things bikepacking.

With renewed energy, the afternoon shifted from skills to application. Riders took what they’d learned and hit the trails to session features, conquer obstacles, and boost confidence with every turn. There were high-fives, spontaneous cheer squads, and plenty of moments of personal triumph as riders leveled up their abilities and leaned into the fun.

To close out the day, everyone circled up to share their highs, lows, and kudos—a VNTRbirds tradition that gives space to reflect, celebrate, and acknowledge each other's efforts. The good vibes carried over to a post-clinic happy hour at Eddyline Brewing, where new friends shared stories, laughs, and plans to meet up for more rides.

This wasn’t just a skills clinic—it was a full-on experience rooted in community, joy, and empowerment. Whether a participant left having conquered their first drop or simply enjoyed a day in the sun surrounded by rad people, the common thread was clear: mountain biking is for everyone, and it’s even better when shared with a supportive crew.

Want to join the ride? Check out the VNTRbirds clinic schedule to find an upcoming event near you—or book a private coaching session to focus on your own goals with one of our experienced instructors. See you on the trails!