BE GOOD FELLOWSHIPS

Maxx Aguilar (they/them)

In alignment with my own goals and intentions as a leader in my community, Rebecca's Private Idaho will help me further grow my network of athletes and organizers passionate about creating accessibility in the world of cycling. Additionally, this was my first year challenging myself to complete a gravel century at Midsouth. Rebecca's Private Idaho provides the additional challenge of training for a ride in a new place. Gravel cycling has been an amazing outlet to push my mental limits and focus on training and preparing my body to attempt things I have never before completed.

Denise Aquino (she/her)

As a queer, Filipina woman, I know I don’t “look the part” of a cycling nonprofit ED. Even so, one of our supporter’s spouses told me this. Ever since that comment was made, I’ve thrown myself into  cycling -buying a gravel bike, riding/surviving for 4+ hours in this Sonoran desert (I’m moved from New York).

The youth, especially the transgender, queer kids of color, love when I join them on rides. But I’m lagging behind on their skill level. Rather than hold them back, I want to skill up and be a better role model outside of my riding time with them. By training for and attending Rebecca’s Private Idaho, I’m hoping I can be that better role model.

Olivia Barraza (she/her)

In the different parts of my life when the bicycle has played a part, I know I am the most healed version of myself. Every time I get on the bike, I meet a new version of myself. The physical and mental caretaking that takes place on these two wheels has been such a plot twist most positively.

To “be good” is to harness the joy and discipline of cycling to make a positive impact on oneself and the broader community. It’s about striving for personal growth while also lifting others, creating a ripple effect of goodness that can propel us all forward. 

Katie Geary (she/her)

Cycling has been a profound catalyst for me and has been showing me just how tough I really am. In the last three to four years, I've unearthed a strength I never knew I had, conquering hills and pushing past limits, both physical and emotional. Seeing how my journey has inspired other women to ditch self-doubt and own their power, proving that grit is universal. 

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Be good means putting positivity into the world, always being kind, and leading with empathy. You never know what someone is going through, or has experienced in their lives. You never know who might need that nod of approval, smile, or small wave. Small gestures—that's all it takes.

Armando Luna (he/him)

For me, cycling has evolved from necessary transportation to adventure cyclist to brown person on a bike to a racial justice representative. I've learned that just by being present I can affect change. "Be Good" has changed for me from being not only being good steward of cycling but also to be a voice for racial justice and change. It's not enough that I ride for myself, but also for others who are seeking their voice in cycling.

Mike Murphy (he/him)

Cycling and adaptive sports have truly saved my life after losing my sight. I was in a very dark spot, not knowing what the future held for me. Jumping on a bike and climbing through the rocky mountains in Colorado gave me that extra purpose and sense of belonging I needed, the cycling community and overall adaptive sports community have elevated my mental health to a whole new level without cycling and adaptive sports.

I would not be here today. The term is very powerful and it just goes to show that life is too short to worry about nonsense focus on the positive, and surround yourself with amazing people.

Khristopher Nicholas (he/him)

Emotionally/Spiritually: for a long time, cycling was an individualistic reclamation of feeling able, powerful, and healthy. In recent years, I've been so so so grateful that cycling has become synonymous with community. I have built a community of fellow BIPOC and differently-abled cyclists around the US.

This community has shown me the importance of relying on, supporting, and nurturing one another... I think many BIPOC and para-cyclists foster this individualistic reclamation as a defense mechanism that confers resilience in a world that is less than welcoming. But we can do so much more together, in support of one another. And so "be good" to me means, above all, "be good together", because no one should have to go it alone.

Gabriela Ruiz (she/her)

Cycling entered my life at a time when all I knew was life as an aspiring classical flutist. I spent many hours from the age of 8 in solitude, eventually practicing 4-6 hours a day in a small enclosed room for the hope of being a professional one day. By the time I reached college age, I realized that I had gained an unhealthy amount of weight and running was not an option due to knee pain.

Cycling quickly became not only a tool to help me overcome unsustainable weight gain but also the counterbalance I didn't know I needed in my life. Cycling has since allowed me to have an avenue for improving physical and mental
health, forming new friendships, creating community, riding as a means of transportation, and exploring areas beyond the urban environment I grew up in (Houston, Tx).