Women's cycling event: the 2024 HIVE RIDE

SARNEN EDITION INFO AND FAQS

We are so excited to be hosting our third ever women's cycling event: the Hive Ride!

Don't have your ticket yet? Spaces are limited so get yours here.

This year, our guides will host a climbing and descending clinic to help you improve your skills and then take you through two rides on the beautiful Swiss roads surrounding Sarnen OW (directly accessible by train). In addition to exploring some new roads, here's what you can expect from the hive ride:

Schedule:

1. Check in 8:30 - 9:00: sign in, crab a coffee, pick up a goody bag, change, pee, fill up your bottles and leave your bag locked up with us
   

2. Climbers delight Clinic 9:00-10:00: Our guides (DE, FR, EN) will host a workshop where you can practice your climbing and descending skills on turny roads
   

3. 10:00-12:00 Ride #1 (approx 40km and 600hm)
   

4. 12:00-14:00 Lunch program

   1. Pasta lunch (vegan) by Pastarazzi

   2. amazing prizes from our sponsors

   3. special guest presentation

   4. a chance to check out Canyon bikes and even take one for a spin if you'd like!
      

5. 14:00- 16:00 Ride #2 (approx 40km and 800hm)
   

6. Hugs goodbye!
   

7. Memories and great photos to last a lifetime 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I've never been part of a group ride before, can I still join?

This event is intended for women with who have some experience cycling and would like to improve their skills, connect with other women, explore new roads, win prizes and eat great pasta BUT previous experience riding in a group is not required. If you don't feel super comfortable, we recommend you chose the 18kmph group when signing up as these groups will likely be divided into smaller sizes.

What speed will the rides be?

This is a super social event, meaning the relationships we create and the views we enjoy are more important than racing each other and risking leaving someone behind. That said you have two paces to chose from when you register, 18kmph average (smaller group sizes) OR 22kmph average. Note: these paces take the climbing you can expect into consideration, the flat road equivalent is probably around 24kmph and 28kmph average speeds.

What language is spoken during the event?

For the clinic you have the option to join the DE FR or EN speaking group and you can expect all three languages to be spoken during the event. The groups will however be organized by preffered pace (either 18kmph average or 22kmph average).

What if I only have a gravel bike?

Gravel bikes are totally welcome! It may be useful for you to see what speed you're able to roll at on your gravel and then chose your pace group accordingly.

What's the deal with Canyon?

Canyon has partnered with RIDERAWR to help inspire women to ride. During the event itself Canyon will support some of the services and have a physical presence during the lunch break and afternoon - this means if you'd like you can pick up the different models of bikes they have, see how they look and feel and even test it out quickly in the parking lot or take it for a longer spin. Canyon will also present a guest educator to share a bit about what is important to look for when buying any kind of bike.

Can I come without a bike and just test a Canyon?

Canyon is sponsoring a broad selection of Road and Gravel bikes in multiple sizes for test riding. However, please bring your own bike! Although we are confident that we have a bike for you to try, for example if you come on your gravel and want to swap to skinnier tires, we can't 100% guarantee it and would hate for you to risk missing out on all the fun!

Can I do just the morning ride?

You can chose to both rides or just the first one and then lunch. However, because of the group dynamic we cannot have girls joining for just the afternoon so please be there for check in and make sure you get your goodies! Also, you don't want to miss out on the amazing pasta and prizes!

Are there vegan options at lunch?

The pasta will be a vegan pasta and you'll have the choice of two sauces.

Why do I need a ticket?

Yes, tickets are really just intended to cover our costs (food and getting coaches on site to support your experience). In order to have a clear idea of how many participants we can expect, it's important to make this a ticketed event.

What if I can't come, will I get a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable, however if you can't come, you have the choice of gifting or selling your ticket to a friend OR sending us a message and we will get you your goodie bag so that you don't stay at home empty handed. You're also always welcome to join our social rides throughout the summer (visible on Strava).

What if I get lost?

GPX files for the routes and more details for the expected kilometres and elevation will be updated in the spring. But don't worry, this is a no drop ride, we start together and finish together!

What kind of prizes can I get excited about?

Everyone will receive a goodie bag at check-in and be entered to win BIG prizes by our sponsors such as: Surprise prize from Canyon, three chances to win a pair of sunglasses from REACT, goodies from Muc-Off, DirtySox, Transbag, Giro, and more! 

What if the weather sucks?

Well, you never know with these things do you? If you know anything about our past events we ride rain or shine. Check in and lunch can be indoors if needed however, the cycling - you guessed it- cannot. For this, it's important to pack extra layers, rain gear and maybe even some dry one's to change into, especially for the train ride home, if the forecast is looking grim.

What do I need to bring with me?

Definitely: a bike, helmet, cycling shorts help, jersey with pockets also helps, sunscreen is also kinda a must, cycling shoes if you use them, sunglasses are great too, rain or wind jacket, water bottle (possibility to fill up on site) A good idea: saddle bag with an extra tube, extra layers to change into if you've gotten cold or sweaty, comfortable shoes and clothes if you are coming by train, special foods you might require

SHOUT OUT TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

Okay, I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it feels to have people believe in us and our vision of a future where every woman can proudly say "I'm a cyclist". Every contribution, big or small, fuels our fire and generates an unstoppable momentum for this community!

Thank you Canyon - for believing in the importance of inspiring women to ride

Thank you React - for literally keeping our vision clear and eyes on the adventure

Thank you Intercycle - for sharing your passion and muc-off, transbag and camelbak brands

Thank you PeakPunk - for fuelling our rides #nobullshit

Thank you Vivikola - for keeping our souls quenched

Thank you Dirtysox - for helping us express ourselves Thank you Giro - for protecting our most valuable asset

And of course our service providers:

Thank you Pastarazzi - for the carbs and cooking with heart

Thank you KaffeKranz - for the caffeine and love

For other women's events #fastandfemaleSUI is a great resource, we suggest you check out their great selection of offers throughout the year -- you can also use the find a group page to find some fun cycling groups near you!