The inaugural Inspire Women’s MTB Fun Day on 8 November caters for all kinds of riders from those just starting out to more experienced riders looking to level up their skills on the trails.
(The all-day Fun Day is happening in Joondalup’s spectacular Yalbunullup Mountain Bike Trails on Saturday 8 November and will feature ability-tailored rides, workshops, talks, giveaways and much more. More on that here.)
A rider in that more experienced bracket is WestCycle’s very own Chair, Debbie Millard, an Inspire ambassador for whom mountain biking is an essential activity that not only feeds her soul, but has even influenced where she lives…
“Mountain biking is my social life.”
“I simply love the joy of riding in the bush,” Debbie says. “I’m inspired by nature, it feeds my soul in a way that other forms of riding don’t. The main reason we chose to live in the hills is the easy and quick access to mountain bike trails. And we’re very fortunate to have trails in some very beautiful parts of WA.”
The Hills resident said the ability to get away from crowded roads and paths was another appeal of riding of the fat-wheeled variety.
“Generally speaking, when on dedicated trails we don’t get tangled up with walkers, dogs, motor bikes or cars! Mountain biking is my social life. I ride with a great bunch of women – and men including my husband – and it’s our ‘therapy’ away from the day-to-day.”
“Give it a go!” A space where MTB confidence and skills can grow
Debbie enthuses about the ability of women’s-only events like Inspire to provide the kind of safe spaces where women can develop their riding and confidence in non-competitive environments – and have fun!
“I have seen that many women’s first exposure to mountain biking is being dragged along by their partner on trails and tracks that are not intended for beginners. They’re walking more than they’re riding, they’re not having fun, their confidence is shattered, they may even hurt themselves – and they may not be keen to give it another go. And that’s a great shame.”
She adds: “That’s why these sessions are so impactful – to build skills and confidence on trails that are suitable for learning with women of similar abilities in an enjoyable and fun environment.“
“Give it a go! Don’t let the boys or your kids have all the fun! Invest in the best bike you can afford and look after you bum. Get a saddle that is comfortable for you, and padded nicks are a must!”
Ride leader
As Chair of WestCycle, Debbie is always keen to maximise the organisation’s advocacy clout to make WA an amazing place to ride for all, including women and offroad riders.
“That’s about advocating for the development and maintenance of riding infrastructure – from mountain bike trails to public shared paths, to safer roads to criterium tracks,” she sys. “It’s also about advocating for and providing the opportunity for more people to ride. To make riding more accessible and inclusive for all. The Inspire Mountain Bike Festival Day is a brilliant example of that.”
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗧𝗕 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 is a collaboration between WestCycle and WA Gravity Girls and proudly supported by Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.
We are also grateful to our major sponsors NVR Lost MTB and Steadyrack.
📅 Saturday 8 November 2025 | Yalbunullup MTB Trails, Joondalup
🎫 Grab your spot here.
