From first-timers to seasoned riders, Pulse Racing's Women's 4-Hour Mountain Bike Relay was a huge success. With 50% more riders than last year, the vibe on the mountain was warm, welcoming and super fun. Kudos to organizers Pulse Racing and Hardwood Ski and Bike for an awesome event.

Women's stories that will move you (literally): From the trails of Hardwood Ski and Bike

We were inspired by so many of your stories, we just couldn't keep them to ourselves! From a 74-year old active mom who inspired her daughter to get off the couch and onto the hills to kids who are encouraging their moms to try new things, we know these stories and the photo highlights will move you too. 

SeeWhatSheCanDo when she has a healthy role model......

This active 74-year old mom inspired her daughter (and future generations) to get off the couch and onto the hills.

As a young mom with toddlers, life for Annie Scherz was exhausting. If you're a mom, chances are you're either in that season or can vividly remember that feeling. Annie recalls the moment she made the decision to get off the couch and get active. She had just spoken with her 74-year old mother who was skiing the Alps. It was like a lightbulb went off. It's never too late - her mom was still healthy and active. It was time to get off the couch and get moving so she could be the same type of role model for her kids. We were thrilled to meet Annie after one of her 4-Hour MTB Relay laps and hear her story. 

This mom's regular weekend visits to Hardwood Ski and Bike sparked a love for the outdoors and some killer skills in her 3-year old son.

As a mother, we can make an enormous impact on the health and wellness of our children. True Sport Foundation, Vital Signs: Sport & Belonging report showed that when young girls see their mothers make fitness a priority, they tend to have a better sense of self and mimic active lifestyle habits from a young age. Children’s sport participation rate is higher (71%) than that of children whose mothers do not.  Laura Skjelmose loves the outdoors and visits Hardwood Ski and Bike every weekend. While her 6-year old son participates in the Radical Rider mountain bike program, Laura's rides the obstacles and trails with her 3-year old son. We were amazed by this little guy's skill,  passion for riding and guts. After falling off an obstacle, he just got right back up, assessed that he needed more speed and conquered it the second time around. Clearly, his mom and older brother are great role models. 

This teenaged daughter inspired her mom to dive in and give Masters swimming a try. 

Parental influence on their children's sport participation is undisputable. What is less commonly talked about and often overlooked, is the active child's influence on their parents. Jaime Akiyama's daughter is a competitive swimmer whose passion for her sport inspired her mom to join Masters swimming.  Never underestimate the power of spectating your active child. It may just help you find your own passion for a new sport. 

These moms, inspired by their kids' passions for mountain biking, decided to shred their first trails together.

This is another story of kids influencing their moms. With learning in mind, Hardwood Ski and Bike wants to make mountain biking accessible to anyone from 4 – 70 years of age. There are trails for every level and ability along with lessons and programs in place for everyone from beginners to elite athletes. True to their word, the Women's 4-Hour MTB Relay was designed to give women of every ability the opportunity to ride the trails on their mountain bikes. We bumped into a group of moms who were riding the trails for their very first time at this event. They were so inspired from watching their kids master the hills through the Hardwood Ski and Bike mountain bike programs, they decided to give mountain biking a try for the first time at the Pulse Racing Women's 4-Hour MTB Relay. Many had borrowed riding clothes and equipment, proving that if there's a will, there's a way.  These ladies had a blast! We're looking forward to seeing them next year. 

Stories have the power to inspire and change lives. We want to hear yours.

Tell us about how, where and with whom you love to move your body. Need some inspiration? Read SWSCD member Laura Skjelmose's story. To share your story: visit seewhatshecando.com, look for the LOG IN and SIGN UP FREE buttons and follow the steps below: 

Find your photos: 550+ Photos from the 2019 Women's 4-Hour MTB Relay

You gave it your all at the race, now it's time to celebrate with race day photos. We were thrilled to be a part of your outdoor excitement and captured all kinds of thrilling moments. Explore 550+ race photos by professional action-photographer and SWSCD Founder Caroline Wiley, and find yours in the SWSCD Marketplace. 

Gallery: Photo highlights from the 2019 Women's 4-Hour MTB Relay 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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