The dozen female riders were welcomed by the supporting Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders Club, before sharing a discussion about riding and managing different aspects of the sport.

A number of the women in attendance explained that they regularly ride with their partner. Many of these women described having different riding abilities though to those of their partners.

"Riding with people of greater ability does push one's riding, but can sometimes leave a feeling of wonder, or of 'watching the impossible'. Riding with other women though, who encourage and challenge each other in a meaningful way, can lead to solid confidence building,'' event organiser and club member Tina Clemens said.

"Some women are apprehensive about mountain bike riding, so it was great to see lots of women out on Saturday enjoying the fab Kiwarrak trails. I've found that riding with other women is more supportive, encouraging and less competitive than riding with guys," ride attendee Kathryn Trego added.

"It's important to help build a network of female riders - there is so few of us, particularly in regional areas, so we need to stick together.

"The event put me in contact with quite a few women from all different areas, so we can meet up for rides in the future, which is great.''

Another women's social ride club event is planned for spring.

Women with a bike in good mechanical order, and sense of adventure and being challenged are welcome.

For more information, keep an eye out on the Manning Great-Lakes Tip Riders Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGLTR/