A LOCAL grant initiative has proved a major boost to mountain biking in the region, with more than 100 women signing up to participate in professional coaching and social rides within the Beechworth community in recent months.

Beechworth Chain Gang’s Granite Girls 2.0 program saw an “astounding” 104 women and girls from across the North East embrace the initiative, which was supported by a Charles Sturt Community University Partnership (CUP) grant.

Indigo Shire Council and the Victorian Government also leant funding to the program, which saw Wodonga-based ‘Fastlane Bikademy’ provide professional coaching to female mountain bikers over a six month period.

According to Beechworth Chain gang president Lynn Frerichs, the participants had reported feeling more comfortable when riding a bike, and had increased the regularity of their rides with friends and family since enrolling in the program.

She said the camaraderie built during the program had been “exceptional”, with many participants rekindling lifelong friendships.

“The Beechworth Chain Gang appreciates the CUP program for assisting in achieving our goal of inspiring females to mountain bike more often, enjoying the physical, social and mental health benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals while immersed in nature,” she said.

For more information about the Granite Girls program, contact Ms Frerichs at presidentbcg@gmail.com.