It happens all the time. A girl puts a foot down on a climb and says “sorry” to the rider behind her. She takes her time sessioning a rock garden and apologizes to the group. She drops back on a long climb and says she’s sorry for slowing everyone down.
Here’s the thing: the boys and men rarely do this.
We’ve seen it across all skill levels. Girls and women often feel like they need to apologize for taking up space, on the trail, in a group, during practice. They say sorry when they “mess up”, when they’re learning, or even when they’re just being cautious. But they’re not doing anything wrong.
They’re learning. They’re trying. They’re present. And they don’t owe anyone an apology for that.
What they can do, what we all can do, is reframe those moments with gratitude instead of guilt.
Instead of: “Sorry I’m holding everyone up.”
Try: “Thanks for being patient with me today.”
Instead of: “Sorry I messed that up.”
Try: “Thanks for giving me the chance to try again.”
Instead of: “Sorry I needed to walk that section.”
Try: “Thanks for encouraging me while I figured it out.”
This message especially matters for our girls. So many have been conditioned to keep things smooth, quiet, and easy for others. But mountain biking isn’t about being invisible. It’s about showing up. It’s about learning and trying and sometimes falling and sometimes flying, and thanking the people around you who support that process.
This isn’t just about a language tweak, it’s a mindset shift. It says: I belong here. I’m learning. And I’m allowed to take up space while I grow.
Let’s make this a habit. Let’s catch ourselves when we default to “sorry” and turn it into “thank you.” Because gratitude builds confidence. And confidence keeps us riding.
Learn more about GRiT here.