January 17, 2006 – The Fly Gurlz are poised to speed off the start line and race into the 2006 mountain biking season. With a full roster of racers, team ambassadors, sponsors, clubs and clinics, it’s shaping up to be another fantastic year!

The 2006 race team is made up of 23 women of all ages and ability levels ranging from Beginner to Expert. This year Fly Gurlz also welcomes team ambassadors — women who will provide support to the Fly Gurlz organization through activities such as photography, website management, Freeride Club leadership and race coordination.

The role of ambassador was created for women who love to mountain bike but may not be interested in racing. “Fly Gurlz strives to meet the needs of women with changing family and career commitments,” said Michelle Ward, Fly Gurlz Team Owner and Director of Banana Seat Productions. “Our goal is to get them involved and keep them involved in this unique community that is designed specifically with women in mind. The ambassador position helps accomplish that goal.”

Fly Gurlz will also continue three active Freeride Clubs that anyone can join. For women interested in meeting other women who mountain bike and want get together on a weekly basis to ride, these Clubs are the perfect opportunity. Clubs are available in Toronto, Durham County and the Tri-County area. For more information, visit www.flygurlz.com.

A slew of exciting new and returning sponsors are involved with Fly Gurlz this year. “We are excited about each of our sponsors and their participation with Fly Gurlz,” said Ward. “Their support is critical to the success of the project.”

2006 sponsors include: Motrin Super Strength, Devinci, Blue Mountain Resorts, Louis Garneau, Power Bar, Sporting Life, Spy Optic, Mountain Life Magazine and Running Tide Inc.

Banana Seat Productions is pleased to announce that McNeil Consumer Healthcare have become the presenting level sponsor for the camps. “We have been working with McNeil for 3 years and it’s simply thrilling that we are ramping up the relationship for the 2006 season”. Diane Arnott, Director of Marketing for Motrin explains the reason for their continued support of the program ” Fly Gurlz appeals to active, adventurous women. They know that when they’re mountain biking, they will be challenged mentally and physically and that they will have to react fast to challenges on the course. It’s like life – pain happens. And Super Strength MOTRIN* IB can be a strong offense so you can deal with pain and move on”

For women looking to learn how to mountain bike or improve their skills, there are five training camps scheduled from May to July. These camps welcome all ability levels of cross country mountain bikers, and one camp specifically for downhillers offering private and group lessons. All camps are held at Blue Mountain resort in Collingwood, Ontario. For camp dates, please visit www.flygurlz.com.

Also on tap for 2006:
– Watch for Fly Gurlz at the Toronto International Bicycle Show, March 3 — 5, 2006 in the National Trade Centre at the Canadian National Exhibition.
– A new, improved website, www.flygurlz.com, will launch March 1, 2006 which will provide you with everything you need to know about clinics, team members and how to become a Fly Gurl.
– An on-line store, available on the new website, will be your one-stop-shop for all the Fly Gurlz gear you need.
– Private one-on-one lessons with certified Ontario Mountain Biking Instructors.

The full roster of racers and ambassadors for the 2006 season is:
Race Team
– Abby Owsley
– Analiese St. Aubin
– Christine Raciott
– Corrie Parton
– Elizabeth D’Amico
– Ericka Hastie
– Erin Curley
– Hannah Parrish
– Heather Pardon
– Jacquelyn Burton
– Jennifer Woodcroft
– Joelle Curtis
– Julie Phelps
– Julie Moureau
– Lea Nogueira, Kathy Watkins
– Michelle Ward
– Paula Baker
– Rebecca Atkinson
– Sarah Potter
– Stephanie Carreau
– Terri Gregotski
– Tracy Ryder
 
Club Leaders

Toronto Chapter
– Hannah Parrish
– Jacquelyn Burton

Durham Chapter
– Corrie Parton
– Jennifer Woodcroft
– Joelle Curtis

Tri-County Chapter
– Lisa Laba
– Rebecca Atkinson
 
Ambassadors
– Team Project Assistant
– Kathy Watkins

Club Project Assistant
– Tracy Ryder

Club Assistants
– Karen Olkonen
– Stephanie Carreau

Web Management
– Heather Pardon
– Kathryn Griffenham

Photography
– Angela Shillolo
– Elizabeth D’Amico
– Karen Olkonen

Media & Public Relations
– Analiese St.Aubin
– Lindsey Huculiak

Race Coordinator
– Tanya Flemming

Fly Gurlz was created in 1998 to involve women of all ages and ability levels in the sport of mountain biking and to see the everyday woman in action. Fly Gurlz operates clubs in Toronto, Durham County and the Tri-County area and is affiliated with the Ontario Cycling Association.

General Inquiries:
Michelle Ward
Banana Seat Productions Limited
347-115 First Street
Collingwood, Ontario
L9Y 4W3)
519-538-0011 p
519-538-0667 f
bananaseatproductions@rogers.com