SOLE Blog

August 12th, 2011

Gold Rusch Reflections with Rebecca Rusch

This Saturday, Rebecca Rusch will tackle the Leadville 100 MTB race with hopes of taking the women's title for the third year in a row. In 2010, she shattered the women's course record and has been training hard ever since. One might think that Rusch would choose to solely focus on training, to beat her 2010 course record and make history again, but that's hardly been the case. Rusch has recently completed the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour, a series of 4 events that focus predominantly on women, biking and bringing the two together. Despite being incredibly busy, Rusch graciously agreed to an interview with SOLE where we discussed female-focused events, favorite memories, and instilling confidence in the next generation of women.

SOLE: What was the catalyst for developing the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour

RR: It was sort of two-fold. First, I've always loved riding with other women, sharing my experience and getting women out on bikes. Second, I was meeting so many amazing female athletes who ride for SRAM and Specialized and wanted to harness their energetic talent and get it out there to the masses. I developed this program with SRAM to bring top female pros to the public with the goal of providing a hands-on way for more women and girls to get excited about mountain biking.

SOLE: Why focus the tour on women?

RR: Because I am one and I know that I have a very different riding experience when I ride with my girlfriends. There is a different sort of camaraderie and support that happens with women-only groups than with co-ed groups. Even though there are more women and girls riding bikes than ever before, we are still the minority and I wanted to provide an opportunity that hasn't always been there.

SOLE: You've completed the tour now. Reflecting on the past few months, do you have any favorite moments?

RR: At the Sea Otter Ladies Lounge, everyone was welcome, male and female, but the booth was packed with women and all of our SRAM pros answering questions. I overheard someone encourage a couple of guys to go into the booth and their response was "no way, I'm too intimidated by all these women!" It was a funny moment of having the tables turned because countless women have been intimidated to walk into a bike shop full of men.

At the Beti Bike Bash, it was watching Heather Irmiger (SRAM pro and world-class XC rider) cheer on her mom as she took the podium for winning her 50+ category that day.

During the Ashland Super D, it was riding the Avid Chainless Downhill with 10 grown, professional women in our thrift store dresses! Seeing these women cut loose and act like a goofy kid on a bike was priceless.

Watching the lightning fast skill development in Wheel Girls, the local teen group that I coached this summer, was definitely a favorite. In just 6 short weeks they went from wobbly and scared to riding over bridges, through technical switchbacks and mastering long trail rides in Idaho. It was amazing!

SOLE: In addition to teaching the Wheel Girls technical riding skills, was there a mentor component to the program?

RR: There was not an official mentor program to the Wheel Girls, but it did happen naturally. I know I speak for all of the coaches when I say riding with the Wheel Girls was one of the highlights of our summer. The Wheel Girls also told us at the last class that riding with us was the best part of the class. The Wood River Valley is a tight community and I know I will see these girls and their parents around town and out on the trails. I feel like I've made some new friends by coaching them and from the smiles on their faces in class, I'm pretty sure they feel the same way.

SOLE: By the end of Wheel Girls, what did you hope to have accomplished?

RR: I hope to have provided the spark and the ignition that will keep their passion for riding burning for the rest of their lives. I believe in the power of athletics to help us all grow into physically and emotionally strong individuals. I hope the Wheel Girls program is just the start of a life full of adventure and fun on their bikes.

Empowering women, inspiring girls, and having a good time. When is the next Gold Rusch Tour and how do I sign up!?