Here in New England we were ecstatic to win the Bell Built Grant for a new flow trail on Burke Mountain in 2013. It was something the entire community of mountain bikers would enjoy. Bell has continued to award grants for trail expansions since, but for 2016 they have a new, profound focus, and it's YOU!
Oh yeah, ladies! The spotlight is on you. Bell has seemingly heard the cries, strike that, screams of the women regarding the industry and it's lack of focus on us. The industry that has exploited women for advertising purposes, published shameful marketing campaigns (Superior Bikes), and straight up ignored the existence of the female mountain biker (great way to promote your race, btw).
Finally, the Bell tolls, and hopefully the sun is setting on the controversy women have been fighting so passionately against in the cycling industry.
"For 2016, Bell will be identifying 5 women in 5 towns to help us achieve our mission to get more women riding on dirt more often...."
"The Bell Joy Ride Program is designed to inspire and enable female mountain bikers with regular, structured, fun and social rides that appeal to all levels of riders. This is a space where female riders can enjoy both challenge and camaraderie in a non-race oriented environment."
Is this for real!!? I could not be more stoked about this! As a rider. As a woman. As a leader of my local mountain bike organization. As an ambassador of our sport. As someone who is constantly promoting more women on bikes! This is like the planets have aligned.
Well, maybe. We are a little behind here on the East Coast, especially in New England. I have friends throughout the US organizing amazing women's events with amazingly supportive communities, and often realize how far ahead they are in this movement.
A short winter trip out West this past year confirmed my notion when I rode with women of various skills and time on the bike. They were growing their group rides much faster. The only variable is the amount of women's programs available, and continuing to rotate
through their area during the year.
We need more women focused programs and rides!
We need the help!
Now, it's not that we don't have ANY women's programs or rides. We have several outstanding leaders here in New England that have been doing a great job for the past few years, but we need more.
Are you a leader? Do you want to help?
You can apply to be one of the five Bell Joy Ride Ambassadors. Bell will be accepting application through November 1, 2015 and deciding whom will represent the Joy Ride program by December 1, 2015.
