Women’s Cycling in Canberra – Want to get involved?
We’d love to have you!
VCC is a great club for women and non-binary cyclists. We run regular novice events, are friendly and supportive and have a structured pathway for new cyclists for all abilities.
Cycling can be a daunting sport for newcomers! More and more women are taking up cycling as a sport, but it can still be quite overwhelming turning up to a cycling event for the first time. If you have questions or are not sure where to start, please contact Melany Toombs and Kaitlin McGuire, the Vikings Women’s Development Officers by sending an email to women@vikingscycling.org.au
Women and girls social rides
New riders can get comfortable with riding in one of our regular bunch rides, and can also meet other new cyclists. The club runs a Women and Girls Bunch Ride on the the first Tuesday of each month starting at 6:00am. This is a 22km, no-drop loop which is perfect for newer riders or those looking to meet other female or non-binary cyclists.
We would recommend joining the Women’s Cycling ACT Facebook group to keep up to date on social rides with other women. If you’re not on Facebook feel free to email women@vikingscycling.org.au and Melany can make sure you receive updates on future rides!
Novice program
The club runs one or two Novice Programs every year (usually Spring and Autumn, depending on demand). The program will consist of 8 weeks of skills session, bunch rides, a safe intro to racing, information sessions and most important of all, the chance to hang out with fellow cyclophiles. A club newsletter informs members of dates for our novice and other training programs. You can also check the VCC Novice Program page or our Facebook page for updates.
We recognise that not everyone is interested in racing, but we provide a welcoming and supportive environment if you would like to give it a go. You don’t need to be a super athlete to try a local race. The challenge and training benefits you can get from local racing are a fun way to vastly improve your fitness, bike skills and contact with other cyclists including other Women riders.
Finally, check out our tips for Novice Cyclists.
Women’s Road Development squad
This women’s specific road development squad is run by coach Cheryl Hulskamp and provides specific training and skills session to help female-identifying cyclists improve their riding and racing capabilities. In addition, the squad aims to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to participate in a range of events should they wish to do so.
The squad runs for 9 weeks and has two group training sessions a week, with a supporting training schedule to get help you get fitter and faster. The squad is aimed at those who have been riding for a little while (or who may have just completed a novice program) and wish to improve their cycling ability and race more. The squad welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, ages and clubs.
The program provides an opportunity for squad members to train with other riders during the week and provide three skills sessions during the program. Previous squads have focused on preparing for Canberra Junior and Women’s Tour.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook or Instagram pages for announcements for the next squad.