Do Better Together - Ride Series

Today kicks off the first in a series of Do Better Together rides, a series organized by Ayesha McGowan.

If you haven’t heard of her, she’s working her butt off to become the first female black pro cyclists. She’s nothing short of amazing. Not only is she putting in work on the bike, but she also is sure to reach out and help the community by empowering females of any ethnicity to do what they love, even if there aren’t a lot of role models to look up to. She has a YouTube channel, a blog, and she is also very active on social media, which is also pretty cool, so be sure to follow and support her!

The ride itself is based on the idea that whatever we do, we are all better when we do it together. Our community thrives when we include everyone — all skill levels, experience and cultures.

Cycling itself is not the most inclusive sport. It is mostly dominated by white males. And while I am not trying to make a political statement here, representation does matter. Women do not get the same publicity and praise as men, and the fact that it’s 2020 and we have no black female professional cyclists really says all it needs to say. We can do better.

But it’s going to take a community effort if we want to see change. That is why I joined the series. I want to support other women, and I especially love it when someone is attempting to really, really shake things up.

It’s cold and snowy here in Wyoming, so I unfortunately won’t be able to ride outside for this first round. I wanted to organize a group ride, perhaps just a short one on the Greenway path we have here, but it’s not going to happen with all the ice and snow around. It’s simply too dangerous. So I’ll be inside pedaling away on my trainer and in the spinning studio.

If you do officially join the ride, you get a bib to print out, a chance to win a pretty sweet bike, and an invite to a private Strava group with Ayesha. She’s also hosting Zwift rides on specific days, and all the Do Better riders can join. If you happen to live in a larger community like Atlanta and New York, there are actual physical, outdoor events scheduled. Make sure to check the website to get the dates and times on those if you truly are interested. There are also two more rides coming up in February and March. Do one, two or all three — it’s up to you!

For me, I am just excited to be part of something larger than myself, and I’m happy to spread the word about a great idea, a good cause, and an event that brings us together, even if just for a little while, to remind us that life is all about the beautiful people we surround ourselves with, whether by choice or by chance.

My goal for the week is 100 miles! Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.