Today we’d like to introduce you to Danita Ritter.
Hi Danita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started mountain biking back in 1992 with my husband and his buddies and spent many years riding with the guys. We always had a great time out on the trails but most of the time I was the only female. I bounced back and forth between racing BMX and mountain biking for many years. In 2016 I stumbled upon a Facebook group called WomenMTB. This was a great little community made up of local women from Utah looking for others to ride with and build friendships. Rae Sutherland was the founder of WomenMTB and quickly found that the Facebook Group was growing and this could be so much more. In 2017 we started free weekly group rides for riders of all abilities lead by volunteer ride leaders. In 2019 we received our Nonprofit status and I was named Executive Director of the organization. Today we host 10 group rides a month from beginner to advanced as well as skills clinics and special events. Currently, WomenMTB has 160 dues-paying members and 4K followers on Facebook and IG.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
COVID proved to be the biggest challenge so far. Last year we had to cancel so many events such as our season kickoff party and season end party as well as limit the amount of participants on our weekly group ride. Club sponsorships also saw a decline as many companies struggled last year. Sponsorships allow us to provide club clinics to our members, clinic scholarships, membership assistance, as well as special events and community projects.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
WomenMTB’s mission is to empower women and community through mountain biking by creating an environment of acceptance, encouragement, growth, and education. Our board members and volunteers’ top priority is to make everyone feel welcome no matter the skill level or experience they have on a mountain bike. We also offer skills clinics taught by certified instructors to help those who are looking to gain more specific skill instruction and confidence. Giving back is an important piece of our organization. Each year we help local trail foundations with trail maintenance, clean up, and restoration.
This year marked our 4th year teaming up with Midweek MTB race series hosting a women-only mini enduro race. This year we set a record number with 145 ladies out on the course ranging from 10 years old to 56 years young! The energy and excitement at this event is unbelievable.
Last month we held our first destination event in Moab which proved to be a huge success. We provided group rides for 30 women, dinner, drinks, and raffle prizes. We camped in the desert and many new friendships were made. With the success of this event, we will definitely add more of these to the calendar.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
There are so many things in my life that make me happy! My family brings me the greatest happiness. We love spending time biking, camping, and fishing together. Watching my daughter actively taking a roll with WomenMTB makes be so proud of the strong woman I am raising.
Friends are also a HUGE piece of my happiness. I have met so many amazing people through WomenMTB and have made lifelong friendships. When you can surround yourself with judgment-free, encouraging, and supportive friends’ happiness will follow.
Pricing:
- $110 Yearly WomenMTB Club Membership
- Sponsorship Packages starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Email: info@womenmtb.org
- Website: www.womenmtb.org
- Instagram: WomenMTB
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenmtbutah
