Anita Hartley

Mountain biker Anita Hartley started her business Flow MTB after feeling frustrated by how difficult she found it to find women’s specific mountain biking kit in one place. As well as being a retailer, Flow MTB is now an online hub connecting women involved in mountain biking; it hosts inspirational blogs by female riders and advertises events.

Anita has been organising weekly rides for her local community for over ten years, which now reach more people thanks to the reach of Flow. Last year, a group of women even got the chance to visit the Alps.

Anita says, “I’ve been mountain biking since 2007. In that time it’s great to see how far the sport has progressed from a female perspective with more and more women turning up at trail centres and entering events, a greater choice in women’s specific bikes and kit, women’s social rides and groups across the country.

“It feels like there’s a real mountain bike community out there for female cyclists whether they’re new to the sport and seeking advice or seasoned riders sharing their expertise and experience.”

Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to take part in this wonderful and life-enhancing activity.