Do Your Part To Diversify Cycling

Earlier this summer my friend and academic sister sent me a text about joining a new cycling group in the Twin Cities whose goal is to diversify cycling.  While I loved the mission, I was initially hesitant since I didn't consider myself a cyclist. I would bike to and from campus and maybe (weather permitting) go on a longer ride to a lake or park. To join a team that raced bikes seemed so out of the question. I knew nothing about bike racing other than the Tour De France is a really famous race (which let me tell you, there's a lot more to bike racing than that). I'd never worn a bike jersey nor seen anyone who looked like me race. So I decided in the midst of the COVID lockdown, social awakening, and the desire to create a stronger social-justice community here in the Twin Cities, now was the time to pedal out of my comfort zone (pun intended). I logged into an intro zoom session where I met others based throughout the Twin Cities who were committed to social justice and were either devoted to or interested in getting into cycling.  After that session, I both nervously and eagerly joined the team. Since then I've had only enriching experiences. From biking 40+ miles in one trip (a personal record!), to cycling with shoes that clip in (and tipping over), and now training with a group of phenomenal members who push and encourage one another while maintaining one of the most epic group chats I've ever been a part of.

This was the beginning of what is now known as Stamina Racing Collective. The word stamina signifies a sustained physical and mental effort, which is needed in cycling and in social justice. Our team chose to include the words stamina and collective to signify the importance of our sustained work together toward one common objective: increased diversity in competitive cycling.

Approximately 15% of licensed racers in USA Cycling are those in women’s fields. Even fewer riders identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), with estimates ranging from 8%-10% across all BIPOC groups. The goal of Stamina Racing Collective is to strengthen and diversify the pipeline of women, trans, and non-binary athletes in competitive cycling. Three of the major factors that decrease the participation of cyclists in women's fields include inequitable opportunities, a lack of support from others, and barriers to accessibility. Our team uses a three tiered approach to address these barriers. Our pillars include mentorship, accessibility, and community development.

Your donations will directly help our team diversify cycling. 80% of our members are BIPOC, 70% are immigrants or first-generation, and 50% identify within the LGBTQ community. Your donation will support our start-up costs and the costs of our first full season of racing and community events. Thank you for your support!

- Haema

*Photo credit: Carlos Sabillón and Anna Min of Min Enterprises