“There are various reasons to pick up a sport or hobby like cycling, but one of the biggest reasons we stay (or leave) is the community that surrounds us. The cycling community has its ups and downs, but I’ve been lucky enough to meet some amazing people either through the industry or just out on rides. Through cycling, I’ve met some of my closest friends, made some of my favorite memories, and learned so much about myself and others. This is why it’s so hard not seeing my people or meeting new cyclists during this time of social distancing.
“What I wouldn’t give to go on a casual ride, stop at a cafe, get some coffee and snacks, and catch up with people!
“Enter The Cafe Ride, an Instagram Live conversation series dedicated to telling the stories of amazing women, building community, and educating and inspiring fellow cyclists. This bi-weekly conversation series, starting March 17 at 10 a.m. mountain time, will feature women from various aspects of the cycling community. You’ll meet and hear stories from women who are recreational athletes, product developers, nutrition experts, or professional cyclists. The goal is to inspire, educate, and connect women from all over the world.”
– Reese Ruland, The Pro’s Closet
Viewers can tune in through Instagram Live on The Pro’s Closet IGTV channel. While the series will cover training and the value of being a consummate beginner, more difficult topics will also be discussed, including accident-related PTSD, riding with pain, and using the bike to cope with loss.
The initial schedule is as follows:
March 17: Tina Ooley, using mountain biking to discover yourself and cope with loss
March 31: Sarah Swallow, authentically embracing an alternative lifestyle
April 14: Erin Nelson, struggling with PTSD and identity post car/bike accident
April 28: Cassondra Spring, women’s cycling community
May 12: Lillian Outten, learning to train for a race that might not happen
May 26: Hillary Allen, a professional ultra runner finds cycling
June 9: Maria Benson, learn how a Cervelo bike is developed
June 23: Isabel Rodriguez, equity in Cycling
July 7: Laura King, navigating pregnancy and motherhood, while still making time for yourself.
July 21: Jane Nussli, balancing career and personal fulfillment with professional racing
August 4: Tamara Gorman, a rising triathlete star with big aspirations
August 18: Lindsey Richter, how and why Ladies All Ride was founded and where it’s going
September 1: Kate Quay, pudendal neuralgia and cycling
September 15: Janel Spillker, pro road racer discusses the transition to community builder and coach
September 29: Rachel Voyles, massage therapist and former pro soigneur talks about relieving all kinds of stress
October 13: Sofia Bermudez, why being a beginner, not an expert, is the goal.
“We see how bikes connect people every day, both through the experiences we share and through those that are uniquely our own,” said Reese Ruland, social media manager at The Pro’s Closet. “With the Cafe Ride series, we wanted to create a platform where riders from across the women’s cycling community can talk about the parts of biking we all know and love, but also have conversations around the parts that are sometimes swept under the rug.”