The Radical Women of Cycling:
A Global Ride Series Recap
Words by Fiona Morris
Bright. Victoria, Australia: In the depths of an alpine winter, I stood alone on the street, waiting to see who would brave the temperatures. One by one, they arrived, wrapped up in layers of kit, rubbing their hands together to keep warm. The clock hit 9:30, and we rolled out. It was a 40 km social ride, and within that 40 km, I was struck by how cycling serves as a unifying force. I chatted with a couple of under-19 athletes, talking about their upcoming races, a woman who had cycled from Belgium to Switzerland and was planning her next adventure, and a woman who exclaimed this would be her longest-ever road ride. We left excited to follow each other's journeys and support each other in our endeavours...
As I reflect post-ride, power is rarely held by a sole individual. It often resides in the collective, and none is more potent than a mass of radical women.
Across the globe, the Radical Women of Cycling ride series brought together women and women-identifying cyclists to ride, inspire discourse and champion female leaders who are passionately propelling the sport of cycling forward.
Each ride, event and experience had its own DNA. A DNA that represented female cycling communities across the globe and their most pressing issues and needs. Magnifying female athletes’ strength and depth of talent while chasing QOMs. Highlighting the need for inclusivity and increasing diversity in the sport. Inspiring the next generation to forge ahead and create their own story in cycling, each trailblazer creating discussion and opening the door to supporting more women in the cycling industry.
Individually, a ripple was created, but collectively, we turned up the volume, put our hands in the air, and raised the roof to take ideas and turn them into actions. Amplifying the voice of female leaders passionate about propelling the sport of cycling forward, energising and empowering those who thought they didn't have a voice to speak up and feel heard.
As the sun sets on the first Radical Women of Cycling global ride series, you can be sure this is just the beginning. The impact will keep reverberating as momentum gathers pace, and a movement can be ignited. As female cyclists, we are united in carrying forward the legacy of a more inclusive, diverse, and vibrant cycling community for women and women-identifying cyclists. Our journey does not stop here because we are the Radical Women of Cycling.
Fiona Morris hosted the Radical Women of Cycling in Victoria, Australia. Here follows a small selection of other female voices and images captured from some of the other host cities around the world. Yet this is just the start - look out for more Radical Women of Cycling rides coming soon via MAAP.cc.
"The day before the Radical Women's QOM ride, I almost called it off. The weather was grim, and I worried my planned course might be too slippery. But then I thought, isn't facing a little adversity what being "radical" is all about?
Despite the conditions, a strong group of women showed up, including Tilly Field, Movistar E-Sport's 2024 E-Sport National Champion Silver medalist; Keely Bennett, Team Bridgelane's U23 Oceania Road National Champion; plus several top riders from New Zealand and a number of local stars. The course featured two QOM sections where Tilly and Keely went head-to-head, each winning a segment and taking home prizes. A sense of gratitude was felt by the community, and although only two people received formal crowns, we all left feeling like queens."
Gemma Mollenhauer - Melbourne
“Women’s rides are not a new thing, but seeing them adapt, grow and continue to strengthen and encourage women and women-identifying cyclists in communities all over the world validate their continued existence.The Canberra overnighter came from my love of a good adventure, and wanting to share that experience with others. It takes courage to even show up, especially as it wasn’t an easy route, and doing an overnighter in the depths of Canberra winter is something that takes a bit of grit.”
Ella Bloor - Canberra, Australia
"Often on group rides, the slower groups - which are also often women's groups, tend to do shorter distances or easier routes. This time, I wanted them to go long and make it to the steepest and most brutal climb in the area! The climb has a 2km section that is over 11%, and the max gradient peaks out at 21%!! I didn't want them to be worried about being dropped or someone waiting for them at the finish; I just wanted them to smash it and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. And, of course, they all smashed it!"
Briet Kristy - Iceland
"My bike and my ride reflect who I am. My community attracts like-minded people. Cycling is just a small part of life that brings us together. It was just so great to find that we all had the same goal."
Mallika K - Thailand
"It's wonderful to see this progress, but there's still work to be done to ensure that women's needs are fully met and represented. More inclusivity and visibility are key to making further improvements."
Gemma Bachmann - Los Angeles
Here in the South Bay, there aren't many road-specific rides catering to women. On our ride, I saw groups of male cyclists flipping out as we rode by, saying things like, "OH MY GOD, did you see that group of women?? I've never seen that before" or "Dude hell ya! Look at all the girls! In a beautiful place like this, it's strange, but there really are no large group rides for women cyclists. I want to build this with some local friends to create a safe place where women can feel safe and confident to climb and crush hills together."
Melissa Martucci - Long Beach, California
"The women in San Francisco are always making space for each other, uplifting and encouraging us all—big shout-out to the San Francisco Cycling Club women, who are fast and friendly. Pick me up and drop me in a paceline full of fast women. I could stay there forever."
Leslie Ethridge - San Francisco
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