Trail Angels – South Africa’s largest women’s mountain biking club – is turning 12.
Over the last 12 years, Trail Angels has played a significant role in transforming the mountain biking scene in South Africa. What initially started as a space for women to ride together has evolved into a community where women train and prepare to participate in MTB events and races.
Nikki Haywood’s vision of getting more women on bikes and seeing more female riders at events has been more than realized.
Nowadays, no major MTB event passes without the presence of at least a few Trail Angel ladies in their distinctive pink and colorful kit.
Nikki herself is an experienced and passionate MTB rider, having completed four Cape Epics. She knows what it takes to summon the courage and prepare both body and mind for the challenges of an MTB event. She has been a source of inspiration, motivation, and guidance for countless women, empowering them to participate in various cycling events, from the Cape Town Cycle Tour to provincial and national XCO races, and challenging multistage events such as W2W, Sani2C, and the Cape Epic.
Thanks to her influence there are now more female riders, greater equality, and a burst of color in the MTB community.
But Trail Angels is so much more than just a mountain biking club.
A Trail Angels membership is like a boost for your health, wellbeing, and happiness!
Trail Angels is a community where women are supported and guided to build the courage to leave their comfort zones.
In this community, hundreds of women have not only learned how to ride challenging MTB trails but also learned to believe in themselves.
They are inspired, encouraged, and motivated to try new and challenging things – together!
Over the last twelve years, Nikki has created a culture of courage and positivity.
Once you join this incredible group, you will feel a strong sense of belonging and that you’re part of something bigger.
This feeling of connectedness is crucial for your well-being and personal growth.
Being a Trail Angels member for more than six years, I have realised that personal growth (although it’s called personal) does not occur detached from other people.
We grow and develop through interaction and exchange with people. The connections we develop in our communities are catalysts for change.
The relationships we build with community members provide accountability and motivate us to reach our full potential on the bike and in life.
Undoubtedly, the Trail Angels have shaped who I am today.
In a loving, accepting, energising, and motivating community like the Trail Angels, we can flourish.
Thank you, Trail Angels! Keep up the great work.
Cheers to many more years of adventure, fun, self-belief, thrill, fresh air, riding and racing bikes, good coffee, personal growth, and happiness!