TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Little Big event, a women-specific weekend bike clinic for all ability levels, ramped up at the The Truckee Bike Park at River View Park the first weekend in October.

The event was aimed at building and developing bike and jump skills and confidence, while showcasing the Truckee Bike Park facilities to the regional and national bike community.

Ladies attended the clinic from as far as Seattle to be coached by some of the world’s best female riders.

Coaches included: Stephanie Nycha, from Calgary, Alberta, considered the founder of women’s bike events, who launched the 2003 Slope Sistair; Gale Dahlager, from Salt Lake City, Utah, a two-time U.S. National team member; Kat Sweet, from Seattle, founder of the Sugar Showdown and a Crankworx gold medalist; and Lindsay Beth Currier, founder of Shine, a women’s freeride organization.

The event was founded and organized by Tahoe’s Cortney Knudson, an accomplished bike coach and founding member of the Truckee Bike Park Project.

“Skills were learned, steeze was thrown down, and a lot of fun was had,” said Knudson. “It takes a lot of volunteer hours to put on an event of this caliber and we are excited that this inaugural year of the Little Big was such a grand success.”

The Little Big event was a fundraiser for the Phase 3 build of the Truckee Bike Park, which will more than double the size of the current park, expanding the terrain by almost an acre: 43,500 square feet with pump, jump, and flow elements. This next phase will break ground in May and is expected to cost between $60-$80,000.

Numerous sponsors supported the event, including Clif Bar, Whole Foods, DaKine, FiveTen, New Belgium Brewing, Osmo Nutrition, Fox, POC, Xfusion Suspension, Lumberyard Bike Park, and Freelap. Big-name brand support and community volunteer efforts make the development of the world-class park possible.

The Truckee Bike Park Project is a five-phase project, with the first three phases expected to be completed in three years. Similar parks in Colorado and Washington have taken eight to 11 years to complete. The park was professionally built and includes an irrigation system to ensure trail quality.

The park was founded by four full-time volunteers, who continue to maintain the track, write grants, secure permits, host events and raise funds.

The Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District donates the land and has helped financially for the free, public park — suitable for all ages and skill levels, from novice to professional.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/truckeebikepark to learn about volunteer opportunities.

The Truckee Bike Park Project is dedicated to bringing a world-class bike park to the Truckee community. The park is located at the River View Park, 12304 Joeger Drive in Truckee.