FINDING THEIR LINE: VNTRbirds and the Evolution of Femme MTB
Some riders seek out the fastest line. Others carve out a new one altogether.
For sisters and co-founders Leanne and Kelley Wren, creating space for women, femme, and non-binary riders in the mountain bike world wasn’t just a goal—it was a necessity.
Over the past several years, VNTRbirds has evolved from a grassroots Colorado-based crew into a thriving coaching collective and community hub. They’ve hosted femme-forward MTB clinics, led adventure weekends across the Rockies, and—after acquiring VIDA MTB Series—expanded one of its most transformative programs: Rider to Racer
Trail-tested and mission-driven. VNTRbirds coaches lead by example—on Yeti bikes, of course
Creating Access with the VNTRFUND
A standout piece of VNTRbirds’ programming is the VNTRFUND, a scholarship initiative designed to break down barriers and create more access points for riders who’ve historically been overlooked. Whether a brand-new rider getting on dirt for the first time, or pursuing coaching accreditations, the VNTRFUND helps women, femme, and non-binary individuals access the education, mentorship, and support they need to thrive on their mountain bike journey.
Fueling Progress Through Partnership
When VNTRbirds stepped into its next chapter by acquiring VIDA MTB Series in 2023, Yeti Cycles followed suit—recognizing both the necessity and the value VNTRbirds brings to the community. VIDA’s deep-rooted legacy gave way to what is now a dynamic partnership grounded in shared values.
Yeti’s support may begin and end with bikes—but in between, they outfit our coaches, fund scholarships, and show up to invest in a vision for a more inclusive, community-driven future in mountain biking.
Together, they’re not just honoring a legacy—they’re building what’s next.
VNTRbirds: sharing the stoke, one rider at a time
Confidence looks good on everyone. Community-first riding at its finest.
Racing, Reimagined
Designed as a supportive first step into the world of mountain bike racing, the Rider to Racer program combines coaching, mentorship, and community over a full season to help riders gain the confidence and skills to pull up at their first starting line.
That same energy inspired the creation of the Rip Roaring Mini Enduro—a welcoming, low-pressure race experience crafted specifically for all racers, from first timers to seasoned senders to put their progress to the test and have fun doing it. It’s now one of VNTRbirds’ biggest and most defining events. It’s not just a race, it’s a party on bikes! While Rider to Racer offers a supportive entry point into mountain bike racing, it’s the Rip Roaring Mini Enduro that brings it all to life.
Rip Roaring Mini Enduro: where racing meets community, celebration, and just the right amount of chaos.
Year-Round and All In
The VNTRbirds mission doesn’t end with the summer season. With the arrival of snow, their focus shifts disciplines, but the mission remains the same.
Come winter, femme-specific avalanche education courses offer the tools to safely and confidently navigate backcountry snowsports. Every March, VENTURE OUT brings it all together—a multi-day festival designed to put new skills into practice. Visit their website to learn more and join them in Salida, Colorado this March.
VENTURE OUT is an unabashed celebration of femme and non-binary camaraderie in the mountains, complete with guided tours, hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, and a legendary dance party.
When the dirt turns to snow, VNTRbirds keeps going. Winter programming like VENTURE OUT empowers riders year-round.
What the Riders Say
“Hands down one of the best weekends of my life. I felt seen, challenged, supported, and stoked. I left a better rider and a more confident human.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever feel confident enough to race—but Rider to Racer proved me wrong. The coaches believed in me until I believed in myself.”
“The energy, the community, the coaching—everything about VNTRbirds is empowering and inclusive in a way I’ve never experienced anywhere else.”
Get Involved
From first races to backcountry bootpacks, VNTRbirds is building a new model of outdoor leadership, grounded in inclusion, education, and joy.
Want in? They’re hosting a clinic this weekend in Crested Butte, and another in Buena Vista on September 6th for their final clinic of the season—find out more here.
Can’t make this one? Explore upcoming clinics, races, and winter programs at vntrbirds.com, and follow along on Instagram @vntrbirds for the most up-to-date info.
Photos by: Cort Muller, Curtis DeVore, Julia Ordog, Kathleen Young, Hanna Schmidtman, and Ri Ganey
New chapters, same mission: more riders, more voices, more trails.
