RIDELAB 2023

The inaugural RIDELAB women’s mountain bike festival took place May 15-18 in scenic Squamish, BC. Marketed as “a festival for women who love bikes, camping, music, food and good times,” this one-of-a-kind event did not disappoint. RIDELAB is the passion project dreamed by from two friends, Karen Stark and Lisa Au. Both ladies are well versed in the bike and event worlds, which was evident throughout the multi day event.

The premise of the event is simple: get a group of women together who share a passion for bikes and the outdoors. Have everyone camp together. Provide tech talks, evening entertainment, food trucks, bike vendors, free apres bevies, cold plunges and saunas, demo vendors and an on-site medical crew. Bring some of the biggest mountain bikers in the world to come and lead tech talks and rides every day. Have a hilarious emcee who immediately makes everyone feel welcome. Oh, it’s also completely inclusive. From double black diamond riders to first timers, from e-bikers to adaptive bikers, there was a ride and a place for everyone. Participants got to sign up on ride boards each day to ensure they had a group that they were comfortable in. Each detail was so well planned.

As someone who has worked a lot of events, I personally left RIDELAB feeling like it was one of the most uplifting, well thought out and inclusive event that I’d ever had the pleasure of attending or working. The camaraderie between the participants, staff and ride leaders was authentic and easy. And despite the extreme heat (temperatures were in the high 30s!), everyone stayed healthy and happy over the course of four days.

Opening Ceremony and Day 1

Arriving at RIDELAB in Squamish, BC.

Emcee Debora (no h!) de Napoli kicked things off on the RIDELAB stage in the forest.

The event started with a First Nations welcoming ceremony by Dominique Nahanee kicked off the event on the unceded territory of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxumixw First Nation.

Event co-founders Karen Stark and Lisa Au.

A safe bike lock up was on site for post-riding relaxing.

Food trucks rotated at the venue throughout the week.

Morning yoga sessions were also on offer.

An amazing team of organizers, ride leaders and staff helped make the event a success.

Legend Hannah Bergemann made the trip up from Washington to be a part of the event.

Climbing trail riding.

Andreane Lanthier Nadeau (aka ALN) was another pro that came to lead rides.

Small groups kept things flowing nicely each day.

Orbea hosted an après pizza party on Day 1.

All around badass Sierra Roth was the adaptive group ride leader.

Checking out the vendor village.

Post ride hangouts in the vendor village.

Day 2

By day two participants had formed new friendships and were eager to take on the day’s riding. A full schedule of apres activities awaited participants once their day on the trails was over.

Day 2’s beginner group ready to take off for the trails.

Chelsie McCutcheon was another one of the amazing ride leaders.

Learning to navigate roots on the trail.

Smiles all around!

Karen Stark getting a few laps in.

North Shore Betty, aka Betty Birrell, helped make the week a ton of fun.

Enjoying some VIB apres beverages.

Flo Espineira attended day two to lead a group and deliver a powerful talk on their personal journey with biking.

Transition hosted a happy hour near the main stage before Hannah Bergemann got up to give her tech talk.

Participants taking advantage of the cold plunge tanks.

Panel discussion hosted by Debora.

AIKA spa providing the hot and cool recovery.

Movie night under the trees.

Day 3

Before we knew it, the final day of RIDELAB had arrived. After another day full of riding, the event was closed with an epic dance party in the forest - a perfect way to end the week.

Day 3 morning spirits were high.

Some rides offered shuttles!

Party time! DJ Foxy Moron treated participants to the perfect party.

An accessible stage meant everyone was up dancing!

I think it’s safe to say that RIDELAB was a huge success. Dates are already set for next year so don’t miss your spot!