ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Dirt Maidens was inspired by a women’s mountain bike race in Canada. The idea came to life through the hard work of a group of girl riders in Jindabyne, NSW, who believed that women shouldn’t miss out on the fun- they should have the opportunity to experience a mountain bike race. A fun, beginner-friendly race, with an element of challenge, completely encompassed by a friendly and supportive environment.
The team was made up of local riders, club members, volunteers, plus a few friends from out of town who wanted to help make it happen. Each year the Dirt Maidens team has evolved, and those amazing people who have dedicated time and energy to making it a great experience for everyone deserve most of the credit.
Our focus at Dirt Maidens at the moment is recommencing skills clinics, based at Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra. We have a membership option coming soon and our event is set to be back in the near future.
Sign up for a skills clinic today or come and say hi on social media. We want to hear what you have to say so we can offer more of what you want.
Meet your coach
Claire McDonnell is the founder of Dirt Maidens and an experienced mountain bike rider and coach. Claire grew up on a farm, riding bikes, and learning about bikes from her brother who raced at an elite level on the road and track.
Claire is a registered nurse, who also spent many years teaching outdoor education, where her love of mountain biking came to the fore. Claire has raced cross country and instructed mountain biking with school groups since 2009. In 2012, Claire spent a summer riding in Canada where she saw how many girl riders there were and could see the potential back home in Jindabyne. On her return, Claire began teaching women’s clinics and is passionate about helping women and girls get into the outdoors and stay involved the sport for life.
Claire now lives in Canberra with her family and loves to watch her kids learn to ride, taking them on cycling adventures whenever possible. Claire holds an Auscycling Development Instructor qualification and has been accredited as a PMBI Level 1 coach. Claire holds a Cert IV in Outdoor Recreation, a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and is a Registered Nurse. Claire also holds a current first aid certificate and WWVP card.
