BACKPACKING RETREATS EDUCATION + MORE
MOUNTAIN / GRAVEL / ROAD BIKING
VOLUNTEERING
CREATIVE WRITING + JOURNALING
HIKING
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
UPCOMING UNRULY EVENTS
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Apply for our Scholarships
Dreaming of adventure?
For 2024, there are 3 partial scholarships that will assist in reducing prices for 3 different people for :
1 backpacking retreat
2 mountain bike retreats
ROAM September MTB retreat (thanks to the Hungry Bear Race / New Moon Bike Shop)
Mallard Point MTB retreat in October
I’ve decided to break up the scholarship this year, so that more people will have an opportunity to attend. Each who receives the scholarship will have $500 deducted from their retreat price.
Please apply by following the link below, and choose either the backpacking or mountain biking scholarship application.
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Contribute to the Scholarship Fund
Please help build up our scholarship fund. Your contributions will help provide resources and opportunities for women to attend and participate at our various educational adventure programs to help them further develop their confidence and wilderness skills.
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Customize
If you don’t see a date that works for you, or you and your friends have an adventure in mind but need a guide, send me an email with some details and let’s see what we can dream up!
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Used Gear
Do you have gear you no longer need or use? Please follow the link for more details.
How Unruly Women Gave Back in 2023
VOLUNTEERING
The 2nd annual women’s weekend with the Superior Hiking Trail Association - with 12 other women!
2 days with 5 other women working on the Kekekabic Trail with the North Country Trail Association
2nd year adopting the Sonju Lake Campsites on the SHT
WORKSHOPS
5 free bike workshops on and off trail in collaboration with Trailhead Cycling
community building
self-empowerment through learning about bike maintenance and bike safety
The Unruly Group Rides
15 free mountain bike group rides
4 free urban group rides
community building
safety checks
skill building
SCHOLARSHIPS
2 full coverage Backpacking scholarships with travel stipends were given this year to help improve accessibility and equity to outdoor recreation and outdoors spaces
SMALL BUSINESS MENTORSHIP
8 free meet-ups with entrepreneurs + aspiring entrepreneurs
Because empowered women, empower women and I believe in cultivating community over competition :)
An ASL Interpreter was available upon request for 2023, please scroll below for 2024 offerings!
(There will be no additional charge for this service. If, you don’t see an adventure that aligns with your schedule, or if you have further questions, please reach out to me directly by clicking HERE and I’ll see what we can do!
ASL Interpreter available upon request for these events in 2024
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Backpacking Retreat
June 14-16, 2024
registration has closed
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Mountain Biking Level 1 Skills Clinic
June 22, 2024 @ 9-11 AM
$35 per person
at The Trailhead building in Theodore Wirth Park
for anyone who identifies as women/femme/non-binary/gender expansive
bike rentals available + accessible by city bus
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Volunteering
July 26, 2024
Follow the link below to the Superior Hiking Trail website event sign up, scroll down until ‘Mission Creek (all women, deaf community)’ and click ‘Sign me Up!’
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Backpacking Retreat
September 27-29, 2024
Intermediate level backpacking retreat to Fredenberg along the Superior Hiking Trail (follow the link and scroll to appropriate date)
The Unruly Community
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“This was my very first backpacking trip without my husband, I felt so safe with Monica and I had so much fun exploring Minnesota! The entire trip was magic and I can't wait until my next Unruly Women adventure!”
Whitney // Backpacking // 2021
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“I have hiked and camped but never backpacked. This experience was rewarding on so many levels; the companionship, acquiring new skills, and embracing nature.”
Grace // Backpacking // 2022
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“Volunteering on the Superior Hiking Trail was a great opportunity for me to enjoy Northern Minnesota outdoors and help the future of the trail.”
Lisa // Volunteering // 2022
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“Working the trail was such a fantastic experience. I’ve done a number of SHT trail weekends, but working with a cohort of Unruly Women was by far one of my favorites!”
Kari // Volunteering // 2022
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“This three day backpacking trip was easily one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I've ever committed to doing. Trekking poles were my lifeline as was the encouragement from Monica - who provided the space to curse, make loud noises, and sometimes even cry, without shame or judgment. I'm so incredibly proud of my accomplishment and I look forward to the next adventure.”
Lauren // Backpacking // 2022
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“I had a gloriously gloomy, marvelously misty, downright soggy, wild, wet, birthday weekend. Many Thanks to my guide, Monica for all of her careful planning, weather watching, backpacking guidance, and nature-loving cheerfulness during a stormy trip.”
Alexandria // Backpacking // 2022
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"It was a treat to be able to be in nature and clear some trails with like minded, strong women! I look forward to the next volunteer event!"
Maureen // Volunteering // 2023
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"Unruly Women and the North Country Trail Association put together such an incredible weekend to groom the Kekekabic Trail! This was my first experience and I had a blast! Everything from the communication to the itinerary to the accommodations and camaraderie was well organized and so easy to jump right into. The women in the group were welcoming and fun to get to know. I’d highly recommend! "
Carmen // Volunteering // 2023
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"I felt very supported while on this retreat. There was always someone available for questions, and I felt completely supported while on the ride. The variety of skills and knowledge was impressive. I knew that if I needed anything there would be someone to help. And there was plenty of support from the other attendees."
Ashley // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"Monica does a fantastic job of making everyone feel like they belong on a mountain bike! She and the extended Unruly Women family are supportive and great coaches. I significantly increased my mountain bike skills over just one retreat and increased my confidence on a bike. Thank you!"
Becky // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"I had an amazing experience on this mountain biking retreat! I feel more excited than ever to get out and bike, try new skills and have more adventures. All skill levels were welcomed and the environment felt very safe and encouraging. "
Carolyn // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"Truly a great experience to be supported by "unruly women"!!!"
Carole // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"Such a wonderful, fulfilling, and uplifting weekend! I think the community Unruly creates is one of the most supportive I have ever been a part of. Being surrounded by women who listen to one another and don't judge, but uplift each other is amazing!"
Dayna // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"As a very new mountain biker I am still gaining skills and confidence and Unruly Women has been amazing for my development on the trail! I have done 4 one-on-one coaching sessions with Monica and that has really allowed me to tackle the areas that I have found hard (berms!) at my own pace and with a lot of helpful feedback and tips. I also appreciate riding with Monica - both having her to follow so I can see how she approaches an obstacle, as well as having her ride in back to coach along the trail. Last weekend I attended the Mountain Bike Retreat and riding with a group of like-minded outdoorsy women was amazing! I was probably the slowest in the group but the encouragement and support from all really helped my confidence! I'm excited to continue to be a part of Unruly Women. "
Adriana // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"Such a great retreat! From the beautiful trails to doing yoga by the campfire under the stars it was an awesome weekend and Monica was a great guide to make sure everyone was comfortable and had fun. "
Meghan // Mountain Biking // 2023
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"I have wanted to do more backpacking, including solo trips, and this trip really gave me the confidence to feel like I could do that! It was a supportive environment to learn (and make mistakes)! I can't wait to get back at out there, whether in a group or solo!"
Emily // Backpacking // 2023
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"While I've had some backpacking experience in the past, the Unruly Women group really put my mind at ease with all the logistics. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring sections of the Superior Hiking Trail and witnessing the stunning transformation of the maple leaves. Monica proved to be an exceptional leader, displaying patience and understanding throughout the journey. I highly recommend that other women consider joining this backpacking adventure to test new equipment or simply embrace the great outdoors in Minnesota."
Song // Backpacking // 2023
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"I thought the hiking had it challenges that took me out of my comfort zone, but not too daunting to tackle. It made me realize I am more capable than I previously thought and love backpacking! This retreat has got me hooked and can't wait to go backpacking again. Monica is a fantastic and very knowledgable guide! "
Keely // Backpacking // 2023
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Unruly Women is the reason I can actually ride a bike now - a mountain bike no less. I love it! You're the reason I’ve increased my friend group and have met a ton of new, amazing humans. What a huge gift. Monica believed in me and gave me the opportunity to test things out and ride on a trail for the very first time. How fu**ing cool is that!
J.H. // Mountain Biking// 2023
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This retreat was great! I felt really lucky to be one-on-one and therefore able to go at my own pace and learn new skills. I loved the section of trail that we did - it offered challenge without being too hard.
Adriana // Backpacking // 2024
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“Through education and skill building, you’ll find the confidence you need to venture out on your own, empowering you to unearth your inner wild, outdoors.”
-Monica // Founder of Unruly Women