Pavla Balíková is a Czech bike rider who is primarily dedicated to the enduro discipline. Last year, she took first place at the whole Blinduro and second in the whole Czech Enduro Series. Among the other things, we talked about how big the women's enduro community in Czech republic is at the moment, and what kind of atmosphere prevails in it at competitions. And if a biking attracts you, but you don't know where to start, Pavla has 5 tips for you!
How and when did you get into biking?
I've actually been riding since I was little. It's just that my parents led me to common biking on asphalt and dirt roads. Then, with my first salary, I bought a mountain bike, went to a MTB course to learn riding technique in the forest, and it completely enchanted me. After that it had a rapid decline. I bought a full-suspension bike and since then it has been my main hobby that consumes all my free time.
What bike discipline do you do?
My discipline is enduro. It is a technical ride in the forest, where, unlike other bike disciplines, only some sections are measured. There are 5-6 of these sections in one competition. Our time is measured on them, and their sum is our result in the entire competition. Another difference from cross country or downhill is that part of the competition is also a climb up the hill, on your own, using your own strength, without chairlifts. Such sections, as well as other sections on the flat or up the hill, are called transfers and our time is not measured on them.
When did you start competing?
It was quite early, after about half of a year since I started riding in the forest. I tried my first competition, Blinduro in Lipno, Czech republic. And it was also great from the point of view that it was not a competition with pressure for some results, but Blinduro is mainly about the community of people, fun and gaining experience. And it was a great experience for me. I started to enjoy it, so I gradually started signing up for other competitions, such as the Czech enduro series and the other Blidnuro series.
In these competitions, you took place in the top ranks. Which of these achievements are you most excited about?
The biggest success for me was probably last year's win in the entire Blinduro series. The Czech enduro series is also at a similar level, which is actually our biggest series within the enduro competition. I was second there last year. Those are probably my two biggest achievements so far.
Are you planning to attend any competitions this year?
Yes, I will definitely participate in the Blinduro and Enduro series. In addition, I also try other competitions, for example recently I attended Urban downhill in Czech republic or Bike fest in Kálnica, Slovakia. That's my annual diversification of the bike season.
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What kind of bike do you ride? If anyone would like to get inspired.
I've been riding a Trek Slash bike for three years now. Its geometry suits me, it ranks among the super enduro bikes, so it can also be used for downhill or competitions where there is a lot of riding down the hill. At the same time, it is very nimble in the woods and in corners, which is what I need.
Are enduro bikes also divided into women's and men's models, or is it simply unisex and everyone needs to find something that suits them?
A few brands make special geometry for women, like Giant or Santa Cruz, but basically most brands only make unisex bikes and everyone has to find a geometry that suits them.
How many girls are currently racing in your bike discipline?
If I had to sum it up, there are about 20-30 girls in the race and hobby categories together. It is, of course, still a minority compared to men, but it has been slowly growing in recent years. But sometimes there are competitions where we start only 3 or 4, for example at DownTown in Příbram, Czech republic, because there were such extreme jumps that not many girls signed up.
So do you have a "core" female base there that also meets at the more demanding competitions?
Yes, I would say that there are about 10 girls who ride the race category in the Czech enduro series and we meet quite often at competitions.
How is the atmosphere between the girls at the competitions? Is it about fierce competition, or are you more supportive and rooting for each other?
I have to highlight the fact that the atmosphere there is really friendly, we wish each other well and do not do anything malicious. It's a relatively young discipline, most riders in the Czech Republic are not professionals, so we do it more for fun and enjoyment, and that's why it's generally so relaxed and friendly. Especially among girls, we support each other and wish each other success. And that's great.
How many competitions do you go to per season?
10-13 competitions per season, which is actually 10-13 weekends, and that's quite time-consuming, since I'm also not a professional and, apart from the bike, I'm normally employed on full-time.
Where is your "home spot" where you train or just go for a ride with your friends?
I'm lucky that around my house in Příbram, Czech republic, we have quite a few trails where you can ride. And as for bike parks, my favorite is bike park Klínovec or Plešivec.
Do you have any dream place or competition where you would like to ride?
It's definitely Whistler in Canada, it's the Mecca of all bikers. However, I haven't been able to get there yet, even though we already had tickets to Canada, but covid got in the way, so they canceled them two years in a row. But I hope I will be able to visit it soon. As far as competitions are concerned, I don't have any big goals. I want to have fun on bike, learn new tricks and improve mainly for myself.
And what about you and bike injuries?
I think it's a part of it and everyone has to go through it. I didn't have my first fracture until I was 30, and it was the shoulder bone. And on top of that on my right hand (I'm right-handed), so it was a really interesting time, haha. A year later I broke my wrist and about a month later I broke my ribs. Everything on the bike. But I think that's a part of it when you try to progress in sports.
You recently (as the only woman) took part in the Horsefeathers bike photo shoot, how did you feel about it?
It was my first photoshoot, so I was just getting to know it. But it was great, I got to know the other guys from the team. Of course, that group of guys was already more cohesive, so I tried to get into it somehow, but it was nice. After all, I'm used to be in guys' collectives. My job is programming, I went to Technical university in Prague, Czech republic and there weren't many female collectives there. And there are still relatively few girls in enduro, so I'm used to it. But it was great and it was, again, a new experience for me.
What are your top HF bike products?
It's definitely the Quantum long-sleeve jersey that Horsefeathers has now made for girls. It has a great fit and material, and what is its main advantage, it has an antibacterial treatment, so it does not smell even after a whole day of riding. Also Stoker W shorts from the women's bike collection. They are durable, I have already tested them on the ground, haha. In addition, they are made of quick-drying and comfortable material. I also like street sweatshirts, which I ride in when the weather is colder. And then I also reach for the Dough flannel shirt, which has great material and is great to have handy in colder weather. And when it rains, it's definitely a waterproof Onyx jacket.
