An announcement crackled over a loudspeaker and a crowd of women began moving toward the high point of the bike park at Baker Creek Preserve, home to some of Knoxville, Tennessee’s finest trails. An asphalt jump line shimmered in the midday sun, but not brighter than the glow radiating from those gathered en masse for the first-ever Ladies Hour—an all-female jump jam.

It was the first time the jump line had been closed for a special event and the exuberant turnout made it a success before anyone had even dropped in for a run. A smile was on every single face and laughter could be heard everywhere as the women took turns riding their choice of small, medium or large jumps before pushing their bikes back up to the start ramp and waiting along a fence line for their next run. Some of them were regulars of the bike park, while others were trying the jump line for the very first time.