Posted on Aug 16, 2022
Focusing on diversity and inclusion, gravel bike racing welcomes all to this sport
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https://www.npr.org/2022/08/16/ [login to see] /gravel-bike-racing-welcomes-everyone-to-fast-growing-sport
The sport of racing bicycles on gravel roads has become so big so quickly that race organizers were able to start with a clean sheet of paper ... and they've prioritized diversity and inclusion.
Marley Blonsky is the energetic co-founder of a body-positivity advocacy group called All Bodies on Bikes.
On Saturday morning Blonsky — who describes herself as "a short, fat woman" — paused as she was about to climb on her bike to lead a warm-up ride here for some of the more than 3,000 riders who would line up the next day for SBT GRVL — one of the biggest gravel races in the world.
"We're all about inclusion in the cycling world, so, making sure that people have clothing and gear and equipment and feel empowered to ride regardless of what their body looks like," she said.
The sport of racing bicycles on gravel roads has become so big so quickly that race organizers were able to start with a clean sheet of paper ... and they've prioritized diversity and inclusion.
Marley Blonsky is the energetic co-founder of a body-positivity advocacy group called All Bodies on Bikes.
On Saturday morning Blonsky — who describes herself as "a short, fat woman" — paused as she was about to climb on her bike to lead a warm-up ride here for some of the more than 3,000 riders who would line up the next day for SBT GRVL — one of the biggest gravel races in the world.
"We're all about inclusion in the cycling world, so, making sure that people have clothing and gear and equipment and feel empowered to ride regardless of what their body looks like," she said.
Focusing on diversity and inclusion, gravel bike racing welcomes all to this sport
Posted from npr.org
Diversity
Cycling
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Discovering the magic of gravel bike racing
Men's pro Ian Boswell once rode top pro squad Team Sky at the Tour de France. Last year he won what many regard as the unofficial world championship of gravel racing, the 200-mile Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas.
He says gravel can be about pros going all out, and also about anyone getting a chance to discover the magic of just getting out on a bike.
"I think traditionally, in sport, we've defined it by who's the best, who's the fastest" he said. "We have this opportunity now to define that in a different way."
So Sunday he tried something besides being the fastest.
With the blessing of his sponsors and the race officials, he started at the very back on an electric bike with cargo bags stuffed with food and drink and tire repair gear. Then just roamed the course making sure more people had fun on their bikes.
"I've won races before, you know, and I was second here last year, so is winning gonna bring anything to my life that makes me feel more proud or confident in myself?" He said. "No, but going out and helping someone who's doing their first 100 mile ride, that's gonna bring me a lot more joy than trying to try to win the race.
"Which is a different take, but I think that kind of embodies what this discipline of cycling is," he said. "There's so much more to it than just winning."
..."Discovering the magic of gravel bike racing
Men's pro Ian Boswell once rode top pro squad Team Sky at the Tour de France. Last year he won what many regard as the unofficial world championship of gravel racing, the 200-mile Unbound Gravel in Emporia, Kansas.
He says gravel can be about pros going all out, and also about anyone getting a chance to discover the magic of just getting out on a bike.
"I think traditionally, in sport, we've defined it by who's the best, who's the fastest" he said. "We have this opportunity now to define that in a different way."
So Sunday he tried something besides being the fastest.
With the blessing of his sponsors and the race officials, he started at the very back on an electric bike with cargo bags stuffed with food and drink and tire repair gear. Then just roamed the course making sure more people had fun on their bikes.
"I've won races before, you know, and I was second here last year, so is winning gonna bring anything to my life that makes me feel more proud or confident in myself?" He said. "No, but going out and helping someone who's doing their first 100 mile ride, that's gonna bring me a lot more joy than trying to try to win the race.
"Which is a different take, but I think that kind of embodies what this discipline of cycling is," he said. "There's so much more to it than just winning."
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