That’s why Maxxis is proud to sponsor the Dirt Series by Rocky Mountain Bicycles, a traveling mountain bike technical skills instruction program for women. Based in Whistler, BC, Canada, the Dirt Series offers weekend camps throughout the Pacific Northwest. The fastest growing program of its kind, the series has served over 2500 women during the past seven years.

According to founder and director Candace Shadley, typical camps are two days long and include skill sessions, instructional rides, maintenance clinics, gear introductions, bike fit opportunities, and social time. Camps are generally limited to 45 participants, with a staff-to-participant ratio of at least 1:6, and riders are grouped according to experience, interest, and ability.

“Women’s clinics offer a different environment than co-ed camps, one where everyone is encouraged to give their best and push their limits in a responsible way, where the support between participants is more incredible than anything you'd ever imagine, and where there are great role models no matter what your riding level. There's something about seeing another girl get over an obstacle, clean a climb, or manual off a drop that is easy to identify with and fully motivating,” Shadley notes in an interview on the group’s website.

The numbers validate the Dirt Series approach: Shadley says the program has run at full capacity since its founding and that around 60% of new participants have been referred by a satisfied attendee. The Dirt Series, which this year adds a camp in Utah, features 14 women’s camps in 2007, plus two coed camps and a few corporate retreats.

For more information on the Dirt Series, please visit dirtseries.com.