By Emily Wade
Going to your first group ride can be intimidating. Getting in the saddle with a bunch of strangers takes trust, courage, and sometimes a friend to tag along. Whether you’re new to cycling or you usually hit the road alone, here’s a few reasons to give a WTF group ride a try.
It’s a fun space. Really. I haven’t ever been on a WTF ride that wasn’t chocked-full of toothy grins. From trying out polo at Babes in Bikeland to literally howling at the moon at a Full Moon ride, a WTF-only ride offers an opportunity for people to be silly with each other without having to worry about a cis male gaze.- It’s a safe(r) space. Riding in a WTF group doesn’t always mean there won’t be egos, microaggressions, judgment, or assumptions. But, it does mean that everyone involved sees value in having a separate space for WTF riders. A WTF ride recognizes there is something about cis male-centered cycling spaces that doesn’t work for everyone. Many rides even start by setting an intentional tone and laying down some ground rules. While a separate space isn’t everything, it can be a great jumping off point for larger conversations.
- You will be setting an example. Visibility means something. It can be hard to break into a new activity or community when you don’t see yourself in it. Don’t think for a second the person coming out of the global market and the youngster on training wheels don’t notice when you have fun riding with your friends.
- You will meet some truly rad people. I used to be the kind of girl who hung out with mostly guys and had a few close WTF friends. In the past year I’ve met dozens of jaw-dropping-ly incredible WTFs and re-learned what it means to be in supportive, empowering, non-competitive friendships. I owe most of my current relationships, and all of my new-found babe love, to the Twin Cities cycling community.
- It feels awesome. There’s nothing quite like riding in a group of WTFs. I first got into cycling through a dude. It took me a while to see the community of people who ride bikes as my own space. It still feels novel every time I ride down the greenway in a group of four or more WTFs without a male ‘escort.’ But it feels awesome. Like euphoric awesome. I recommend it. Highly.