“Dirty Girls” Dirtbike and Adventure Group
“Dirty Girls” Dirtbike and Adventure Group
Introduction
By: Jacqueline Mortlock
It’s early morning on a dusty offroad track and a lone 4-stroke 250cc motocross bike is powering its way over jumps and railing gracefully around berms – not an unusual sight at a motocross track – until the rider turns off for a break. As the helmet is pulled off long hair tumbles out to reveal a girl’s dusty face. Seeing women at a motocross track in South Africa is a fairly rare sight – but the numbers are growing.
In 2006 Dirty Girls Dirtbike group was founded to create awareness for, and support girls wanting to become involved in dirtbike riding. In 2010 the group membership is 2300 strong and on the rise. In 2008 we introduced a men’s division of DG – “Zero Authority”. The aim of both groups is to create a platform for new riders – the support of a group, regular training and fun events makes the introduction to riding more accessible and enjoyable.
At present we are in the process of expanding the group to include a mountain biking and bmx section for cyclists, climbers, Dirty Girls Rock! (girl bands), kiteboarding, skateboarding, fire poi, and a dive and surf school.
Our biggest objective is to create awareness and build an improved support base for current SA alternative sports talent which is underrepresented (and poorly sponsored) at present. We focus strongly on creating observing social outreach efforts, environmental groups and charities in South Africa. Our official charity is the Trail of Hope Foundation, a non-profit foundation that rehabilitates street children and supports underdeveloped communities.
Our group culture is about social lifestyle. We want to get more people outdoors to really experience the beautiful country we live in. (For example: some of our organized challenges might include a group hare-scramble, bouldering and abseiling challenge followed by a bonfire and social evening – we love to mix it up).
Dirty Girls are in their teens, in their eighties, and every age in between. Our focus is on the members and the outdoor lifestyle of adventure sports. We’re for beginners and veterans; we’re for people from all walks of life; we support recreational weekend warriors and women who compete at competitive level (or wish to).
