Girls and women of all ages will have an opportunity to find their footing and flow on wheels when Girls on Wheels rolls into the new Felton Pump Track on Sunday, Nov. 8.
The free, drop-in event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, offering a welcoming environment for riders to try out the recently opened track, learn new skills and connect with fellow cyclists.
Hosted by Santa Cruz County Parks, Girls on Wheels is designed to help girls and women feel comfortable and confident in a recreational space that has quickly become a popular gathering spot. Although the track usually welcomes all types of wheels (skateboards, scooters and roller skates) and all genders, this specific event is only for females on bikes.
“Since opening last month, the Felton Pump Track has been bustling, but we wanted to make sure girls and women feel a sense of belonging in this space too,” said organizer Anne Less, founder and president of Team Mama Bear. “By bringing together incredible coaches and mentors, we’re creating an environment where riders of all ages can build confidence alongside peers who look like them.”
Mini bike clinics for ages 8 and older will be offered throughout the morning, while mentors will be available to provide on-track support for riders of all ages. Whether participants are new to pump tracks or already comfortable on two wheels, the event is intended to give them a chance to learn, practice and enjoy riding in a supportive setting.
For Less, the gathering is about more than a morning of cycling.
“Our hope is that this first event is just the kickoff in what will hopefully be a series of events and an inclusive culture of girls riding and rolling in the San Lorenzo Valley,” she said.
Team Mama Bear, founded in Felton in 2022, is a volunteer-led, community-based nonprofit triathlon club focused on health, empowerment and inclusive fitness. The organization helps local mothers access athletic education, training and a noncompetitive community centered on movement and connection.
Less, who also serves as the District 5 Parks and Recreation commissioner representing the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley areas, said the event brings together community partners who share a commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible and welcoming.
Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Department echoed that goal, describing the event as an opportunity to build skills while strengthening community ties.
“This event is about more than learning new skills; it’s about building confidence, fostering friendships and showing girls and women that they belong in outdoor recreation,” the department said. “We’re grateful to partner with such passionate organizations that share our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment where participants of all ages and abilities can ride, learn and have fun together.”
The event is sponsored by Santa Cruz County Parks, Ecology Action, Santa Cruz Mountains Cycling, Girls Rock, Little Bellas and Team Mama Bear. Participants should bring their own bikes and protective gear. Helmets and knee and elbow pads are required.
Santa Cruz County Parks is providing the event permit and hosting the gathering. The pump track will be closed to general public use during the event. The event is subject to track conditions and may be rescheduled because of rain. Organizers encourage participants to check Santa Cruz County Parks’ social media for updates before heading out.
With the new track providing a gathering place for riders, organizers hope Girls on Wheels will help ensure that girls and women see it as a place where they can belong, build confidence and encourage one another.
