Biker chicks

On a cool, damp night in June, when most people are already tucked in bed, these cyclists are riding mountain bikes in the dark.  They’re doing laps on hilly, wet, sometimes treacherous terrain as part of a 10-woman team competing in the 24 hours Summer Solstice race.

The Yummy Mummies, as they call themselves, are all fit, toned, gorgeous and over 40.  They’re also the only sponsored, all-female team in the competition. They eagerly await this grueling event and train for months before it.  In their matching pink Sheila Moon bike shirts and lean bodies they stand out in the crowd that gathers for this annual race.

“Each rider normally does two laps, one at night and one during the day,” says Noelle Wansbrough, the 40-year old team captain, “and each lap takes one to one and a half hours.  Some of our riders are more expert than others and may do an extra lap.  But the night rides are definitely the most challenging.”

The event takes place on a 17-km course at Albion Hills Conservation Area north of Toronto.  It has been growing in popularity since it started 10 years ago.  Now, it’s the largest 24-hour mountain bike event in North America.

Why do they go?

First, it’s a camping-out weekend family affair.  The Yummy Mummies (above) all have school-age children and it’s fun for everyone. They set up tents in campsites with firepits and picnic tables.  There’s food, entertainment, music, and a carnival atmosphere. The kids enter 24-minute races for great prizes.  And the dads have formed their own team called The Phat Daddies.  As one Yummy Mummy says, “Our goal is to kick their butt.” They usually do.