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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mackenzie Lynch
Mackenzie@letsshiftgears.com

Shifting Gears Celebrates International Women’s Day with Two Weeks of Outdoor Adventure During Wild Women Week

Shifting Gears will celebrate International Women’s Day with its annual Wild Women Week, a two-week series of inclusive outdoor recreation and wellness events designed to bring women together through adventure, connection, and community.

“Wild Women Week has been Shifting Gears’ celebration of International Women’s Day for the past eight years,” said Diane Bedell, Executive Director of Shifting Gears. “International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. These two weeks are our way of making Bellingham’s incredible recreational and community building activities more approachable and accessible for women in our community, while also forming strong bonds between the women who participate.”

Wild Women Week features a wide range of activities that encourage participants to try something new, connect with local women-owned businesses, and explore Bellingham’s outdoor and community offerings in a welcoming and supportive environment. Events will include:

● Kick off Film Night at Lost Giants Cider Co.

● Bike Rides with Transition Bikes, The Bike Ranch, and Evil Bikes

● Paddling with the Community Boating Center

● Line Dancing with Moon Shine Line Dancing at Lost Giants Cider Co

● Self-Compassion and Sexual Empowerment Workshops with Wink Wink

● Women Wander Run/Walk with Fairhaven Runners

● Yoga at Bow Sanctuary and Bingo at Terramar

● Design Your Own Adventure Tote at LOAM

● And much more

All events are open to all experience levels, and required equipment will be provided for most activities.


Wild Women Week will kick off with a film night at Lost Giants Cider Co. on February 23, celebrating stories of women in outdoor adventure. 

Stones Throw Brewery will host the Wild Women Week After Party on International Women’s Day, March 8, with Shifting Gears. The evening will serve as a community celebration and reflection on the two weeks of shared experiences. The event will feature a maker’s market, food, drinks, and dancing in a safe and welcoming space where women are encouraged to be their wild selves.

During the After Party, Shifting Gears will announce its annual “Wild Woman of the Year.” This honor is awarded to a community-nominated individual who has overcome barriers and inspired others through their outstanding spirit over the past year.

Wild Women Week creates space for women to build confidence, discover new passions, and strengthen community connections through recreation and shared experience. For a full schedule of events and registration details, visit: www.letsshiftgears.org 

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
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