Defying Limits: Ladies Who Ride

March 04, 2024

Today, on International Women's Day, we honor the remarkable women who fearlessly break barriers, acting as catalysts for a wave of aspiring female cyclists to embrace their journey with passion and purpose.

Paige Onweller

Paige Onweller, brand athlete for PEARL iZUMi, wearing cycling clothing posed on her bike

What’s your favorite part about being a female rider?

Entering 2024, it's an exciting time to be a female cyclist, especially on gravel. There's a lot of momentum for changes and equity in the US racing scene, which really excites me. We are beginning to have our own starts at the top events and no draft rules implemented which allows women to actually race other women - not men. The sport is evolving because we are now getting more women racing, which is fun to see evolve and be a part of these changes.  

What is the thing you’re most passionate about as it relates to women on bikes?

I am very passionate about decreasing the gender disparity in sport and advocating for equal pay and opportunity for women cyclists.

What are you most proud of/what do you want to be known for as a female rider?

This year I founded the company, Rosie Up, which is a nationwide outreach to help create supportive environments for female gravel cyclists to gain confidence and skills. It's a multi-year project launch, but I hope in the future this is what I am known for (in addition to shredding and being at the pointy end of the top gravel races!)

Hannah Shell

Hannah Shell, brand athlete for PEARL iZUMi cycling apparel company, racing on her bicycle

What’s your favorite part about being a female rider?

I think because women’s participation in cycling has historically been limited, there is a special feeling of camaraderie among female cyclists. I enjoy the feeling that we are all cheering for each other and doing our best to lift each other up and provide more opportunities for women.

What is the thing you’re most passionate about as it relates to women on bikes?

I love to help women overcome the idea that bikes are scary or that riding hard and fast isn’t for them. I think there is a lot of empowerment in deciding that cycling is a sport for women and we can participate in any and every aspect of it.

What are you most proud of/what do you want to be known for as a female rider?

I want to be known for finding a balance between work, life, and sport and also just being a friendly and welcoming ambassador to women at all levels of cycling.

Kailey Skelton

Kailey Skelton, brand athlete for PEARL iZUMi cycling apparel company, riding a mountain bike

What’s your favorite part about being a female rider?

My favorite part about being a female rider is the process of both being inspired by other women and inspiring other women through my own doings. This is a spectacular feeling to know you have pushed yourself or others through the help of an awesome community of support.

What is the thing you’re most passionate about as it relates to women on bikes?

I am so passionate about the growth that is currently happening right in front of our eyes! There are more young girls than ever getting into the sport, teenagers charging, and even middle/ older age women becoming inspired to try something new through the support of others. I think we have an extremely bright future of women in this sport!

What are you most proud of/what do you want to be known for as a female rider?

I would love to be known for pushing limits. Hitting jumps and speeds that only the boys could conquer and being able to make that blend into what girls can take a stand on. I want to be a face that shows you can push yourself harder and bigger than you’d ever think you could!

Brooke Goudy

Brooke Goudy, a PEARL iZUMi Cycling Ambassador poses with her bicycle

What’s your favorite part about being a female rider?

Representation matters and I love that I get the opportunity to be a representation for so many folks that can see themselves reflected in me: a woman, a woman of color, a healthcare professionalthat is the ultimate weekend warrior.  My favorite part of being a woman on a bike is that hopefully it inspires more women to be on bikes.

What is the thing you’re most passionate about as it relates to women on bikes? What are you most proud of/what do you want to be known for as a female rider?

I am most passionate about making sure that when we talk about women on bikes we acknowledge that there are so many different ways that women show up on the bike.  We show up as moms commuting or teaching our children to ride.  Women who ride bikes come in different ages and different sizes.  Some women on bikes celebrate that their bodies and training have moved them to the top of the podium, while others strive to compete against their personal best at the middle or back of the pack.  We all may look different on our cycling journey, but the shared joy of being on the bike unites us.

Whitney Allison

Whitney Allison, PEARL iZUMi brand ambassador racing her bicycle

What’s your favorite part about being a female rider?

I think about  Kathrine Switzer running the Boston Marathon in 1967, which just isn't long ago at all. I was a part of one of the first generations growing up and playing organized sports (soccer, of course!) and now we're seeing a societal shift where women can also be (and want to be!) athletes in adulthood. The rate at which women's stories have shifted over just a few decades is absolutely mind-blowing. I get to use my power as an athlete to influence and be "a hero" and also get to use a practical approach through event organization with FoCo Fondo and the opportunities we provide women there.  

What is the thing you’re most passionate about as it relates to women on bikes?

Gaining confidence and ownership of our experience on bikes spills over into confidence and ownership over other aspects of our own lives. Bikes are a fantastictool for pushing limits and finding something entirely new and unexpected about yourself and the opportunities to do that are limitless. I love when women share their stories with me and I am fortunate to get to hear so many of them. When we put our minds to something, we are powerful.

What are you most proud of/what do you want to be known for as a female rider?

I think most people are idea people and just write opinion pieces on the internet. It takes someone else entirely to put ideas into action and boldly put themselves out there and be willing to fail or receive criticism. I'm a very good, solid, passionate, and fair bike racer, but I've used that same panache to put on a protest women's criterium at the finish line of the Pro Challenge before they offered anything for women, I've created women's clubs that still exist 10 years later, I've created Leadership Teams for FoCo Fondo to raise up and give power to new underrepresented leaders in the space, and much more. I'd like to think that that same race boldness extends into how I live by my values.

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