It was amazing to see the Forest of Dean packed with women out riding at this year’s FOD women’s takeover event. From riders heading out on social rides and coaching sessions to families exploring the trails together, there was a real buzz around the Cycle Center all day.
This year was extra special for us because it was the first time Girls That Ride Bikes had our own stand in the event. We brought along some merch, set up our flags and created a hangout area with deck chairs where people could stop for a chat between rides.
One of the best parts of the day was simply meeting so many people. We spoke to women who had traveled from across the country, riders who had only recently discovered mountain biking, and plenty of familiar faces from our community. The conversations flowed all day, whether it was chatting about favorite trails, upcoming events, or sharing stories about getting into riding.
What stood out most was how welcoming and supportive the atmosphere was. It didn’t matter whether someone was a complete beginner or an experienced rider; everyone seemed happy to encourage each other and celebrate being part of a growing community of women who love bikes.
And thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, bought some merch, grabbed a seat in our little chill-out area or came over for a chat. It was brilliant to meet so many of you.
This year, twenty of us from Girls That Ride Bikes are heading to Stone Circle, not just to ride, but to be part of something bigger. What started as a few group rides has grown into a community that shows up for each other, and Stone Circle feels like the perfect place to bring that energy. For some of us, this will be our first time riding an event like this. For others, it is another chapter in a long love of bikes, big days out, and shared miles. But what connects us is the same. We ride because it makes us feel strong, free, and part of something.
At this year’s Stone Circle Gravel festival, the Girls that Ride Bikes are creating a hangout space in the form of our first expo tent at a festival, leading a women’s shakedown ride on Friday, and dedicated women’s waves for each route. A place where people can come and sit down, take a breath, and feel like they belong. Our stand at the Festival Fort will be filled with deck chairs, friendly faces, and the kind of atmosphere that says you do not have to rush off or prove anything. Come and chat. Come and meet people. Come on your own and leave with new ride plans. That is what we are about. We will also have our merch with us, which always feels like more than just something to buy. It is a way of recognising each other out on the road, a small signal that says you are part of this too.
Being invited into the Stone Circle this year means a lot. Creating a dedicated space for women and FLINTA riders, and offering supported ways to take on the routes, makes a real difference. It changes who feels welcome at the start line. For those riding with us in the Girls start wave, or joining the shakedown ride, you will not be doing it alone. You will be surrounded by people who understand the nerves, the excitement, and the joy of just getting out there, and for anyone who is not sure yet, who is hovering on the edge and wondering if this is for them, it is. Truly. Whether you come to ride, to watch, or just to sit in a deck chair and take it all in, there is a place for you with us.
Stone Circle is going to be a big weekend. But the best part will be the simple moments. Sitting together before a ride. Spotting a familiar jersey out on the route. Hearing stories at the end of the day.
Pulling together Girls That Ride Bikes has been an incredible journey and it simply wouldn’t be possible without the amazing sponsors, supporters, friends, and the brilliant committee working behind the scenes. Each has played their part in shaping the event with energy, ideas, and dedication. Together with our sponsors and supporters, who have added something unique, whether that’s kit, expertise, donations, or encouragement, this community has made the weekend possible. Here’s a huge thank you to every one of them.
McCormick Accounting
Community lies at the heart of McCormick Accounting. As our organising team t-shirt sponsor, Liz McCormick has shown her commitment to creating spaces where women in cycling feel seen, supported, and celebrated. She’s also shared her own story in a dedicated blog about why she chose to supportGirls That Ride Bikes.
Amelia Johnson Photography
Photos by Amelia Johnson add beauty and depth to our event, capturing the spirit, strength, and community of Girls That Ride Bikes. A highly experienced Dorset-based photographer, Amelia specialises in evocative commercial, food, interiors, and event imagery across the South of England. Her generous support and stunning shots bring warmth and clarity to our story. 👉 Amelia Johnson
Gather & Glow Yoga
Gather & Glow is here to support the ride. Aimee’s classes are designed to balance the intensity of cycling with the power of stretch, calm, and relaxation. By inviting stillness, we can unlock new strengths and resilience and find our flow, both on and off the bike. It’s not just recovery or preparation, it’s a way to reconnect with our body and mind, so you can ride with more energy, ease and glow. 👉 Gather & Glow Yoga
KB Your Fit
Led by Kellie, KB Your Fit is all about empowering mums through fitness. Her classes provide not just a workout, but a supportive community where women can feel strong and confident. 👉 KB My Fit on Instagram
Trail Bloom
Born from a love of mountain biking and the frustration of not finding women’s gear that truly fit, Trail Bloom was created by founder Emily to change the game. What started as a personal passion has grown into a brand dedicated to making stylish, functional, and sustainable kit designed specifically for women. More than clothing, Trail Bloom is about building confidence, comfort, and community—on and off the trails. 👉 Trail Bloom
Voom Nutrition
Fueling the rides with energy, Voom Nutrition provides performance products designed to keep you going strong. Their support means our riders will have access to high-quality sports nutrition that really works. 👉 Voom Nutrition
Chase The Sun
Known for their legendary coast-to-coast cycling challenge, Chase The Sun has been incredible in promoting Girls That Ride Bikes to a wider audience, featuring us on their website, and lending their support to grow our community.
Born from a passion for cycling safety and crafted with both fun and function in mind, Hornit Bikes delivers standout accessories—from the world’s loudest bike horn to award-winning balance and pedal bikes for kids and clever gear like the CLUG bike wall mount. They’ve generously donated exciting raffle prizes, helping us raise vital funds to support women in gaining ridership qualifications.
Style meets function with Stolen Goat, who has provided our custom Girls That Ride Bikes apparel. They’ve been instrumental in helping us create a look that unites and inspires our riders.
A true hub for riders in Blandford, Off Camber Cycles is bringing its skills and knowledge to the event with a workshop and maintenance support. Sharing practical tips so riders can feel confident long after the weekend is over.
Inspired by the rugged beauty of the New Forest and rooted in the old name for Ringwood, Rimecuda creates outdoor‑focused apparel with a skate‑and‑trail heritage. Their pieces are made from organic cotton and designed with unisex fits and nature‑inspired prints. Their generous raffle donations will help fund ride leadership qualifications, supporting women to build confidence both on the bike and in the broader cycling community. 👉 Rimecuda
Pedalabikeaway
As one of the UK’s leading trail centres, Pedalabikeaway is helping us expand our audience and share the love of cycling beyond Dorset. Their involvement brings fresh energy and reach to our project. 👉 Pedalabikeaway
Stone Circle
By promoting Girls That Ride Bikes to their own audience, Stone Circle has amplified our message and helped us connect with even more women who might love to join the ride.
Special thanks to Sue from the New Forest Off Road Club, who has been a fantastic ride leader, route planner, and all-around supporter. She’s brought her experience and passion to help shape the rides for the weekend.
Based in Dorset, Hambledons provide outdoor services including fencing, hedging, decking, and gates. Known for their reliable work and commitment to quality, they bring a thoughtful, practical approach to every project. 👉 Visit Hambledons
Hambledons, KB My Fit, Trail Bloom, and Gather & Glow Yoga, kindly supported the cost of our event goodie bags. Thanks to their backing, every rider will take home a bag to remember the weekend by — a small but meaningful way to carry the spirit of Girls That Ride Bikes beyond the event itself.
Why These Partnerships Matter
Pulling together an event like Girls That Ride Bikes is no small feat, and it wouldn’t be possible without this incredible network of sponsors and supporters. Each one contributes in their own way, but together they help create a welcoming, inspiring, and empowering space for women on bikes.
To everyone who has contributed—thank you. You’re not just helping make an event happen, you’re helping build a community.
On the longest day of the year, eight of us from Girls That Ride Bikes set off at sunrise to ride coast-to-coast — 205 miles from the east to the west of England — as part of Chase the Sun 2025.
It was a ride that tested everything: our legs, our patience, our gear, and even our ability to communicate. But it was also a day of teamwork, support, and shared achievement that we’ll never forget.
The day began at 4:30am in the still, cool morning air. Two support drivers travelled with us throughout the route, leapfrogging stops and providing everything from snacks and hydration to spare kit and mechanical help. With many hours ahead of us, the goal was simple: keep moving, keep each other going, and finish before sunset.
When Things Don’t Go to Plan
The ride wasn’t without its challenges. Electric gear issues cropped up early on, followed by a broken cleat that required not one, but two bike shop stops, and eventually a new pair of shoes and cleats. All of this took time, and as we approached London later than planned, the traffic had built up, as had the rising heat on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year.
Once we left the city, there was a huge sense of relief, but we knew we were behind on our timing. This is where the strength of the team really came through.
Riding As One
Despite the delays, no one was dropped. We rode as a team the entire way, adjusting pace when needed and supporting each other through every low point and breakthrough. We rotated support, kept spirits high, shared suncream, painkillers, energy chews, and encouragement. Everyone had their moment to dig deep, and everyone did.
All eight of us completed the full 205 miles. For most, it was the longest day spent on a bike (14.5 hours in the saddle). And we did it together.
Radio Comms
We hired six Motorola TLK100 radios from Chat-Com, with earpieces for hands-free use. Some of us were sceptical at first — would they really make that much of a difference?
The answer was a resounding yes.
The radios became vital from the outset. We used them for everything: requesting water and food at stops, flagging injuries and kit changes, adjusting meeting points on the fly, and calling out road hazards like gravel or narrow bridges. At one point, both support vehicles got stuck on the M25 and the riders were heading into central London. We could coordinate in real time and meet elsewhere without losing momentum. The 5G roaming SIMs kept us connected almost the entire day, even in more rural patches.
“I’m not sure I could do another event like this without the radios — absolute godsend.” Nada Omran
Proud Ambassadors
We’re incredibly proud to have participated in this iconic event and even prouder to be official Chase the SunAmbassadors. This ride showed us what we’re capable of when we work together — and how much can be achieved with a mix of preparation, grit, friendship, and a few emergency ice lollies along the way.
