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Flower (pedal) power

Women Bike Colorado is blowing up. Affectionately called “WBC” by some members, we started this women-only Facebook group at the beginning of the year and already have over 725 enthusiastic ladies from around Colorado sharing stories, advice and resources. More importantly, women in the group are making connections, finding new riding buddies and supporting each other.

What the ladies are doing

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Photo provided by Anne Christina Donley

We are riding…A LOT! From weekend neighborhood rides to mountain bike trail conquests, WBC ladies are out on two wheels across Colorado.

Back in June, some lady Elephant Rock riders displayed flowers on their bikes to identify themselves as WBC members and tout their pride! This display of enthusiasm has prompted WBC organizers to bring back “flower power.” Instead of a political symbol of non-violent protest, our flower power represents empowering women of all ages and levels to get out and ride.

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WBC Flower
WBC ladies attach flowers to their seat/saddlebags to identify each other

Looking ahead to Tour of the Moon (an amazing ride in Grand Junction in early October) a group of WBC ladies are coming together to carpool and ride and are even organizing a happy hour after the event. We hope to see many flowered bikes on the course.

In addition to riding bikes, ladies are posting jobs, posting bikes for sale, sharing snake sightings on trails, offering advice for the best rides in Colorado, sharing inspiring stories of getting back on the bike after injuries and making real connections.

What the ladies are saying

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Mt Evans WBC
Photo provided by Gypsy Garcia

“Every aspect of women’s cycling is represented here from the novice to national champions to casual cyclists and ladies representing different cycling companies…mountain, cross, trikes, cruisers, B-cycles, roadies—all women-powered rideable wheeled devices! This is a supportive, fun group that has many things in common, but one thing in particular, our love of cycling!” –Pam Hill

“I’ve met so many amazing ladies this season! The thread of WBC extends far outside the social media connection and into making connections and friends in person. I value and celebrate this vibrant, growing, energetic network of women cyclists of all ages, abilities, amateur to pro and everything in between!” –Gypsy Garcia

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WBC 3
Photo provided by Julie Fisher

“WBC offers friendship, support, confidence and survival tools. I fell today. Because of all of the above (and because it’s just what I do) I whined for a moment, grabbed the water bottle, rinsed it off, and took the best medicine there is—a ride.” –Kieper Wallace

What’s next for WBC

We want to continue to grow and diversify this group. We want to reach and support more women in their bicycling. Bicycle Colorado and BikeDenver plan to survey the group to learn more about the demographics and find out who is missing.

Once the data is collected, we will be hosting a coffee and ride event to get WBC ladies together to make connections, pass out flowers and find out how we can all work together to get more women bicycling. Don’t tell, but we also may have an idea about WBC “Sheroes” and capes.

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WBC final
Photo provided by Gypsy Garcia

The genuine passion and support that we see with this group is inspiring and we are excited to take part—along with all of you ladies out there—in growing this movement for Colorado.

Join today and put a flower on your bike![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Bicycle Colorado

About the Author: Bicycle Colorado

Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. We use advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.

COMMENTS (2)

Gypsy Garcia - Reply

Well said, Jenna! Thanks for sharing the good word and thanks to Bicycle Colorado for supporting this endeavor! Here’s to “flower power!!!”

Scott Pearson - Reply

Jenna, I belong to Colorado Riders Club. We started a Douglas County ride Tour de Ladies to help fund the Douglas County Crisis Center for victims of domestic violence 3 years ago. We had a very successful event on July 11, 2015 with over 405 women riders on metric century and 30 mile routes. Not sure how much was raised this year but over $10,000 for the crisis center in 2014. Just haven’t seen much coverage of this event and thought you should be aware of it. http://www.tourdeladies.com

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