Velodonnas – Winnipeg’s Female Cycling Club

Velodonnas is the first and only female cycling club in Winnipeg!

Established in 2003, Velodonnas was the brainchild of former National Team member and St. Anne, MB resident Erin Carter. As a successful competitor with a life-long love of cycling, Erin recognized that Manitoba needed a female-focused cycling club with a mission to inform, instruct, and inspire female cyclists of all abilities in a supportive environment. Erin connected with local cyclists Karin McSherry, Deanne Cote, & Kimberly Anne Falk; decided on a name; and Velodonnas began offering weekly rides, monthly time trials, skills clinics, and boot camps.

Ten years later, two more bike loving women (Monika Robertson & Kim Mitchell) had a parking lot conversation and decided that what Velodonnas should do is host a bike race series just for women. But what to call it? We knew we had to ask the super clever & creative Winnipeg CycleChick. Five minutes later, Dirt Skirt was born.

Participation in the first Dirt Skirt race exceeded our expectations by about 100%. Swell idea Kim & Moni!

Fast-forward to present-day and Velodonnas is still on a mission to inform, instruct, and inspire female cyclists of all abilities. Our offering includes:

  • Monday Night Road (MNR) Rides
  • Wednesday Night Mountain Bike (MTB) Rides
  • Skills Clinics – Basic Bike, Road, MTB, & Cyclocross
  • Various Novelty and Social Rides
  • Winter Indoor Virtual Trainer Rides

Our vision? We want to see more women with the skills and confidence to be effective leaders in our cycling community. Come ride with us!

More information:

Website  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Spond  |  Strava

Contact the club:

ride@velodonnas.ca  |  204-791-3195

Please note: Velodonnas charges a minimal club fee, but you also need to be a member of the Manitoba Cycling Association (so that our rides are insured). A free, one-time trial ride for non-members is allowed. The only other requirements are – a well tuned bicycle, a helmet, a love of cycling, and a desire to be challenged and improve your skills & fitness (no matter what level they are at now).