BIKE Women Camp 2023: The anniversary trail party in the Dolomiti Paganella trail park

BIKE: If you do the maths, the first BIKE Women Camp took place at Lake Kaltern in 2012. Why was it only this year that the anniversary was celebrated?

Karen: Yes, the back story is a bit embarrassing: we simply missed the ten-year anniversary last year. It was only after the camp that we did the maths and realised that we had missed this important date. So it was clear that we absolutely had to make up for the party this year.

BIKE: And that's what you did?

Karen: Absolutely! The Dolomiti Paganella region kicked things off: all the bike groups and exhibitors were to meet up on the Cima Paganella at midday on Friday. Up there, the Rifugio La Roda was set up for an amazing lunch. There was polenta and grilled meat of the very finest quality. Plus Prosecco and, of course, this amazing view in all directions.
Later there was a design contest. The soft-goods designer from Scott had handed out paper and coloured pencils. The girls were able to design their own bike outfits and the three best designs were honoured. The winner received a complete Scott outfit from the current collection.

BIKE: But that's not all...?

Karen: No, the big anniversary party at the lake followed on Saturday. First, the exhibitors surprised us with a fun course when we came back from the trails. We were even cheered on by the other bathers on the site and there were great prizes to be won. Afterwards, Mons Royale poured Aperol Sprizz for everyone and Xaver played music again after the meal. This year we were even allowed to
dance until 1am.

BIKE: Looking back over the eleven years, what has changed at the BIKE Women Camp?

Karen: Clearly the technical riding skills of the participants. In the first few years, most women were given the opportunity to take part in the camp by their husbands. Their hope was that she would improve her riding technique and be able to keep up better on future tours together. Today, however, the women usually sign up themselves and know exactly what they want.

BIKE: Namely?

Karen: It's still about improving their riding technique. But the women have become more self-confident. They want to reach the next level because they know that they will have more fun on the trails and in the bike park. Women are now also much more familiar with bike technology. The exhibitors also notice this in their workshops. Optimally customised test bikes with plenty of suspension travel are becoming increasingly important.

BIKE: There were four black groups this year. These are women who are hard to fool in terms of riding technique, aren't they?

Karen: You never stop learning on the bike. This year, for example, one of these black groups focussed on jumps and tables. That's the good thing about Molveno: the range here extends from varied flow trails for beginners to really challenging terrain for very advanced riders. The black groups in particular are perhaps less about learning new skills and more about simply having fun competing with like-minded women.

BIKE: So you don't need to ask about a change of scenery in the future?

Karen (laughs): Yes, definitely. Where else can you find such a beautiful camp site by the lake with 80 kilometres of trails and 9 lifts around it? In addition, Molveno and Dolomiti Paganella Bike really make everything possible for us. Every year we find new trails and the scenery in this area is simply unbeatable.

BIKE: Is there anything you want to improve next year?

Karen: Yes, of course! I would love to get more Italian women interested in our camp. I know that there are a lot of very good female mountain bikers here in the country. That would be a great addition. And then I have a few more programme items up my sleeve that I will implement in the coming years. But I'm not revealing them yet. I want them to be surprises. And I love surprises!