I started bike racing in 2022. It took a lot of courage, and I had no idea what was going on. I happened to do a race and did well enough that someone encouraged me to try some others. But I didn't think I would. It was too expensive, too much time, I didn't have the right bike, I was intimidated, didn't feel like I belonged, and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it. Then--through several huge strokes of luck--several opportunities and communities aligned to let me give racing a try. The privledges I had let me overcome the barriers I faced.
In 2023 I kicked off my race season at the Low Gap Grasshopper race in Ukiah. It was my first time racing in a pro field. To my shock I ended up on the podium. More importantly, I had a blast. I discovered I was capable of doing something I'd never imagined, fueled (and then celebrated) by women who I was competing with.
As I entered racing, I expected there to be inequity. But it was shocking to see and experience. As someone who identifies as queer, it was (and is) alienating to see the frequent lack of inclusion of trans and non-binary people. And as someone who identifies and competes as a woman, it is infuriating to frequently be racing in fields a fraction of the size of the men's.
So I'm thrilled that the Grasshopper organizers are partnering with GRiT (Girls Riding Together)-- a program which provides support to junior women/girls in the sport. Part of GRiT is that juniors can sign up to ride with a mentor. Most of the women in the pro field have signed up as mentors, which I think speaks to how vital we all feel it is to bring more women into the sport.
Because while the goal in a bike race is to beat your competition, the point of bike racing is to support and push each other to see what we are capable of. And the more people who we have doing that, the farther we can all go.
I won't be mentoring. I'll be racing. I felt a bit guilty, but as a friend pointed out, there still needs to be a competitive women's field. I admire my friends and competitors who are dedicating their race and time to uplifting the community. And I am grateful to the GRiT and Grasshopper organizers for promoting women in this sport.
Please consider donating to this program, and thanks for reading my thoughts :)
-Niky
Here is a blurb from the organizers for more information:
This January 27th I will be riding in the Low Gap Grasshopper in Ukiah. The Grasshoppers are adventuresome and challenging mixed terrain adventure rides and races that have been going on in NorCal since 1998. The organizers have teamed up with the NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League and the GRiT program (Girls Riding Together). There will be 20 junior women and 20 mentors at the event; an all time high for a local gravel event. The event's goal is to raise $10,000 to support young women in the NorCal League for the 2024 season. I am very excited to raise funds for this cause and would greatly appreciate any amount you are able to contribute.
Thank you!