1) Why did you descide to start racing?
Talked into by the guys I rode with.
2) What kind of local support do you have(ie team)?
An LBS asked me to ride for them.
3) How much of your group riding is with men, do you have female teammates?
Women? What women? When I was racing it was rare to find another woman fast enough and on a mountain bike.
4) Did you play agressive sports in HS/college?
NO. I ran track for a year, then work obligations took over.
5) What do you see as the main obstacles to women racing?
I quit for a few reasons. Turnout-not enough women to race against, that led to promoters to lump all women racers together, podium spots and all. I didn't like that those of us with more experience were taking all the places/prizes and the beginner women were being left out in the cold. I thought it was more important that they get recognition and encouragement. I asked the promoters to award the trophies for the beginner women and maybe send some schwag our way. After awhile it got a little silly to pay $20+ bucks for a little adrenaline and some cheap schwag. I found the fast beginners, sport and above men to be encouraging though it got a little aggravating that they'd start us a few minutes behind the beginner men. We'd catch up to those guys quick and they wouldn't let us pass. I've rolled over a few bikes because you'd have to ride on their wheel til they got nervous enough to crash before you could get by. Oy.

I loved the adrenaline (except the part where you're waiting at the start and all of a sudden you REALLY have to pee-why is that??) and the race scene but for now I'll live without. It's just as much fun to ride my own ride and it doesn't cost me $20 bucks to do it, either!