Inspire cycling: Empowering women on Two Wheels – Key Takeaways
This article details the creation and growth of Inspire Cycling, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive cycling community for women. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
The Problem & Inspiration:
Intimidation & Barriers: Founder Vega Brhely, of Hill Climb acupuncture & Bike Fit, noticed manny women felt intimidated by group rides and lacked confidence in their cycling abilities.
Core Goal: To create a fun, non-competitive habitat where women of all levels could enjoy cycling without fear of being left behind.
What Inspire Cycling Offers:
Diverse Rides: Caters to all levels, from casual social rides (bimonthly at Mountain Heart Brewing) to challenging endurance routes (42-mile road treks, Maroon Bells cruises) and weekly mountain bike meetups.Emphasis on “no-drop” pace for social rides.
Skill-Building Clinics: offers a variety of clinics to improve knowledge and skills, including:
Mountain biking & technical skills (led by a PMBIA Level 4 coach)
Saddle fitting (led by Brhely, a Level 3 IBFI certified bike fitter)
Pelvic floor workshops (led by a physical therapist)
Community & Connection: Focuses on building a supportive community through rides, clinics, and social events.
Partnerships: Collaborates with organizations like Roam Fest (a mountain bike festival for women and non-binary riders) to expand reach and impact.
Key People:
Vega Brhely: Founder and USA Cycling coach.
Ride Leaders: Lily Binford, Claudia Capitini, and Heidi Kanayan.
Board members: Molly Josephson, Jaime Fiske, Megan Blaszak, and Jackie Skramstad.
Sienna Martin: Ride and volunteer coordinator for Roam Fest.
Impact & Testimonials:
Growth: Started with 47 rides in its first season and now has a membership base.
Positive Experiences: Members report feeling more confident, connected, and empowered through Inspire Cycling. One member specifically mentioned finding a welcoming re-entry point into athletics after having children. Shared Values: Roam Fest recognizes a strong alignment in values with Inspire Cycling – belonging, encouragement, and fun.
In essence, Inspire Cycling is about more than just cycling; it’s about building a community where women can thrive, both on and off the bike.