A few mountain bike items to take a look at today:

Mountain biking 101: How to get women into the sport. Diane Ursu posted a good article over on Examiner.com with tips for introducing women to the sport of mountain biking. Aside from the obvious stuff (get a comfortable bike, the right clothes, etc.) Ursu also says “don’t give her pointers unless she asks, at least for the first ride” and “let her lead.” Most articles I read about getting women into mountain biking are written by men so they usually skip these points Give the article a skim if you’re thinking of introducing your significant other to mountain biking this fall.

3 cool MTB events in Atlanta this weekend. I already posted about this in the forums but here’s a quick recap: SORBA Atlanta ride @ Panola Mtn. State Park Saturday; GA Tech sponsored collegiate MTB race at GA Int’l Horse Park Saturday & Sunday; and ribbon cutting / grand opening for new bike trails at Burruss Park in Marietta on Sunday. I’ll definitely attend at least one of these events - that is, if it doesn’t rain!

Mountain Hardwear giving away a pack-a-day through September 17. Man, August and September must be the months of free outdoor gear! Not only can you score a VHoldR HD helmet cam or Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, you can also register to win a sweet pack from Mountain Hardwear (giveaway pack changes every day). The cool thing about this promo is that you’ll find out if you’re today’s winner as soon as you submit the entry form and you can enter every day the contest runs (I didn’t win today so that means you still have a chance!). Most of the giveaway packs are hydration bladder compatible and should be great choices for epic slogs through remote terrain.

Babes in the Backcountry is hosting a womens only mountain biking weekend in Breckenridge this summer and it includes some unique activities beyond mountain biking like yoga and spa treatments. Sorry, no men allowed BUT it could be a good way to trick (err, introduce) your wife or girlfriend into mountain biking. Price is a bit steep for a weekend (500 bones not including lodging or bike rentals) but may be a good option for some. Press release with more details is quoted below.

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.— An action packed weekend full of volunteer trail maintenance, good fun, and spirited riding partners is being offered to women mountain bikers July 31 - August 2, 2009 in Breckenridge, Colorado. The Breckenridge Bike Babes Mountain Bike Getaway, hosted by Babes in the Backcountry, offers trail building, skills and bike maintenance clinics, instructional guided daily tours, training, yoga, nutrition and a little pampering at the end of the day. The women’s mountain bike weekend is geared toward amateurs wanting to get a taste of the sport to advanced fat-tire enthusiasts looking for a challenge with fellow lady riders.

The town of Breckenridge is continually expanding and improving its recreational territory, opening up miles of dirt roads and trails to mountain bikers and hikers, connecting the mountain town with seemingly endless Rocky Mountain wilderness. Breckenridge and the surrounding area have been praised as an up-and-coming fat-tire destination. For more information on Breckenridge, visit gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.

The Breckenridge Bike Babes Mountain Bike Getaway includes an optional day of trail building and conservation, an evening bike maintenance class, two days of skills and guided rides, two morning yoga sessions, two organic lunches, Saturday night dinner and wine tasting, a spa treatment and a Babes in the Backcountry gift bag. The cost of the trip is $500, and lodging and bike rentals are not included. To register or for more information, visit babesinthebackcountry.com.

Various other bike clinics are offered by Colorado Bike and Ski Tours throughout the summer in Breckenridge as well.