In an ideal world, thewomen's-only mountain biking festival would now be a fixture in the Squamish sports scene.
Organizer Karen Stark said while the COVID-19 pandemic set back the event's launch, it was also a time when many women were introduced to the sport, making Ridelab more essential than ever.
The inaugural event, a first for 小蓝视频, will run from May 15 to 18, 2023.
In recent years, Stark has visited similar festivals in the U.S. that blend riding skills with technical knowledge in an environment that stokes camaraderie among participants.
"A lot of them have such a great vibe, being in a nice environment with many wonderful women, getting out and doing some riding, then coming back and listening to some talks," she said.
She was preparing to debut Ridelab right when COVID began ramping up.
"We actually had this idea over three years ago and were about to launch around March 2020," Stark said with a chuckle. "The idea got put on the back burner. We slowly kept working on it."
With the opportunity to run such events again, that effort paid off as Ridelab is set to launch in Squamish next spring. Stark, who hails from North Vancouver, said even with countless Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast locales offering great riding experiences, Squamish was a natural place to start things up, as both the and hopped on board.
"It's one of my favourites. I love the trails there," Stark said. "It's a very inviting place."
Another point in Squamish's favour was the (formerly Wonderland Valley Resort campground), which will serve as the event's headquarters for camping, presentations, discussions and entertainment.
Meanwhile, will provide all guiding services.
The festival strives for inclusivity, inviting all who identify as female with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced to take part.
As well, Ridelab has set aside two complimentary entries for members of the program and is encouraging each of its sponsors to cover the costs of a slot as well.
"They (IWO) would like to be more of a presence in the mountain bike industry and see more of the women in their group integrating into the industry and more of the events that are around," Stark said.
Other elements of the partnership with IWO are continuing to develop, Stark added, including the group hosting one of the festival's workshops. Other workshop topics will include safety, bike maintenance, and how to purchase new bikes and gear.
Registration opens on Sept. 6 at ridelab.ca. There are packages with and without camping, as well as campground access day passes to take part in the on-site events without riding.
Stark, in her role as the marketing communications and retail manager for , saw how that event weathered the pandemic storm and remained confident Ridelab would see its day in the sun.
"I always knew it would happen. No hesitation," she said.
Find out the latest on the three-day festival by going to on Instagram.
