Rapid City, SD – Dozens of women recently took to the bike trails of the Skyline Drive Wilderness Area in Rapid City to commemorate International Women’s Mountain Bike Day, embracing the themes of inclusivity and community.
The event was spearheaded by Emily Brown, a field guide at SRAM in Spearfish, a company renowned for manufacturing bicycle components. Brown, in collaboration with Acme Bicycles and what is now known as the Black Hills Bike Hub, organized the festivities.
Participants were divided into two groups catering to various skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced riders, navigating the trails within the Skyline Drive Wilderness Area.
Brown, who led one of the groups, emphasized the significance of such gatherings in providing a supportive environment for riders to hone their skills and explore new challenges. “The beauty of bringing together just women creates an empowering atmosphere,” she explained. “By eliminating certain dynamics commonly seen in mixed-gender groups, women feel more encouraged to take the lead, voice their opinions, and showcase their abilities without inhibition.”
As part of the celebration, the group officially announced a name change from the Black Hills Mountain Bike Association to the Black Hills Bike Hub, a move representing broader inclusivity and support for a diverse range of riding disciplines beyond traditional mountain biking.
Emily Berry, Vice President of the organization, highlighted the implications of this change, emphasizing the newfound capacity to facilitate community-driven initiatives. “Our transformation into the Black Hills Bike Hub signifies more than just a name change,” Berry explained. “It reflects our commitment to empowering members to realize their projects and ideas, providing crucial organizational and logistical support, including legal and liability aspects, to foster impactful community endeavors. Whether it’s trail construction, event hosting, or educational programs, we aim to be the catalyst enabling our members to effect positive change effortlessly.”
The event encapsulated not only a celebration of women in mountain biking but also a tangible step toward greater inclusivity and support within the cycling community, fostering a collaborative spirit for future endeavors.