Cripple Creek Backcountry in Carbondale will host its final women’s mountain bike maintenance clinic of the summer at 6 p.m. Wednesday, offering free education and community-building for women of all experience levels.

Part of Cripple Creek’s evolving women’s series, the event is designed to provide local women with accessible entry points into the world of mountain biking and outdoor sports, whether they’re seasoned athletes or curious beginners.

“Women of all levels and interests are welcome,” said Katie Waddell, an employee at Cripple Creek Bike & Backcountry. “Our event topics range from entry-level to advanced and expert. Whether women have been ski mountaineering for years or are just curious about getting into mountain biking, all are welcome.”

Waddell said the goal of the women’s series is to foster a welcoming, educational space that empowers more women to engage with outdoor recreation — from mountain biking to backcountry skiing, ski touring and splitboarding.

“We want to make sure we are a local shop that everyone can come to for equipment, knowledge, advice and community,” she said. “Whether you’re a pro athlete or brand new to a sport.”

Cripple Creek has hosted women’s clinics for years and partners with groups like Inspire Cycling, but Waddell said the formalized women’s series officially launched last winter with a backcountry season kickoff party that drew so much interest, attendance had to be capped at 90 people.

“Within the past year, through conversations with local women and organizations, we recognized the desire for more organized community events and educational opportunities for women in the Roaring Fork Valley,” she said.

Since then, the series has grown quickly, with regular events aimed at creating a supportive and skilled women-led outdoor community.

“It’s been super rewarding to see how many women are coming together,” Waddell said. “There are so many incredible female athletes in the valley, and we want to foster a community that celebrates that.”The clinic will be held at the Cripple Creek Backcountry shop in Carbondale. For more information, visit cripplecreekbc.com.