BE GOOD SCHOLARSHIP
The Be Good Foundation Scholarship program is committed to removing financial barriers and providing more access to cycling opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities. Our focus is on supporting military veterans, para cyclists, BIPOC, and LGTBQ+ cyclists who may not have the resources to participate in cycling events like Rebecca's Private Idaho.
The Be Good Scholarships are for those that display a financial need to gain access to cycling experiences, gear and other cycling opportunities. This scholarship program is focused on serving individuals who are a part of an under-represented group in the cycling community (primarily women and women identifying, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, military members, para cyclists) but all are welcome to apply. Applications are open on a rolling basis.
The RPI Be Good Scholarship provides full support to attend Rebecca's Private Idaho, one of the most challenging and rewarding cycling events in the world. The scholarship covers travel, lodging, a world-class training program, education specific to RPI, gear support, and of course, registration! Deadline to apply for the 2024 RPI Scholarship is May 15, 2024.
2023 RPI Scholarship Recipients
Ben Raymond
I currently serve in The Army Special Forces. I've deployed four times, spent years away from my wife and kids, and gotten burned out. I lost my drive, purpose and just wanted to sit and drink beer. My wife told me I wasn't myself, and she was absolutely right. I got back on a bike and things changed. It was a rough start but I got my skills back and began building upon them. My energy levels came back, I started caring again, and most importantly I found my drive, which made me a good soldier and better father/husband. That's what Be Good means to me. Find your purpose, keep pushing and always make sure you have some fun.
Chanel Mitchel
As a plus-size African American woman working to increase the representation of black and brown women in cycling, I'd like to push the needle forward to expand the message that all bodies belong and are welcomed on bikes. I desire to disrupt the norm of the cycling culture and stereotypes that focuses on bodies highlighting what an athlete looks like. My purpose is to be in spaces that are working on creating a collective culture for those that love the outdoors, cycling to be together sharing space, bringing our uniquenesses together to build a better community and heal. Rebecca's Private Idaho is putting words into action by supporting underrepresented groups, specifically BIPOC communities, to enter spaces that are often not available to the BIPOC spaces, more specifically BIPOC women, as there are few of us seeking such opportunities. Rebecca's Private Idaho scholarship aligns with my mission of increasing the representation of women who look like me to get curious about cycling and outdoor adventures and building new communities and networks to disrupt the status quo.
Jessica Alexander
Cycling is my absolute life. Everything I have done since age eogj when I participated in my first bike race has made me realize that the bike is a huge catalyst for growth, change and learning. As a lifetime learner, I have come to realize that seeing the world in a different light/pace/vantage point has made me appreciate the beauty of the world around me. I try to find every bike ride as a way to continue to experience what it is to be alive. As I heal from loss in my life recently, I use my bicycle to breathe and remember that the world will always continue to evolve, and so should I.
Joe Pomeroy
After becoming paralyzed while racing a motorcycle in 2013, life stood still. My low point was ten months post injury. I no longer wanted to exist. But I decided to give myself six more months, and if things did not improve, I was going to check out. However, things did start to improve very slowly, but the major catalyst was in 2016 when I rode a handcycle for the first time. I forgot about my paralysis, and the exercise helped manage my nerve pain, but it massively helped my mental health, and I found a new community where I belonged. I got my first handcycle in 2017, and since then I ride around 6,000 to 7,000 miles per year and compete in road and gravel events. I can honestly say that the handcycle saved my life. Be Good to me means to do the best with what you have and leave those you encounter with a feeling of positivity.
Sam Hansen
To me Being Good means fighting to create a world where everyone is able to feel welcome, a world where people are able to be their whole and true selves in all situations and locations, and a world full of joy instead of hate. I believe that I bring a positive and welcoming vibe to every race in which I participate. Also, as a non-binary racer, I am one of a select few, and I think it is important for cycling races to do what they can to increase our representation. I do this by working with my local race organizers to open up new categories that allow non-binary riders to show up without having to force themselves into a category that does not represent them and by showing up to as many races as I can.
Kenny Butler
Biking was the single thing that helped me the most, and continues to help me the most, as a combat wounded veteran. I lost my right arm above the elbow to an IED in 2007. I was super low mentally when an inpatient at Walter Reed until a few people got me and some fellow injured vets out biking. It made me realize that I could still do what I wanted physically; I just had to figure out how. "Be good" means doing your best even when it seems hard, whether that's in sport, making a hard choice, or standing up for something you believe in. I just want to say thank you for adding so many categories to your races and rides. It's hard to find any races that include adaptive categories, and entering a race with able bodied people can be intimidating.
