Talking about representation of Black women in mountain biking with Coloradoan Brooke Goudy of Black Girls Do Bike and the VIDA MTB Series.
To help us get started, here are some of Goudy’s tips for everyday anti-racist actions:
The Outdoors are for Everyone: Sometimes mountain biking can seem kind of elitist. We tend to roll our eyes if someone shows up on outdated or low-end equipment or isn’t sporting the right clothing. I think we need to get away from that. We need to make space for everyone outdoors. Every time you go outside, you need to remind yourself of that: This space is for everyone.
Be Welcoming: Make sure that the person you’re passing feels welcomed out there. Say hi, tell them “nice to see you, I’m glad you’re out here” no matter if they’re on a Huffy or a multi-thousand-dollar bike.
Take action: I think we, as an industry, are putting a lot of words out there on social media and on statements on the website. But what are your actual action steps? Name them and then execute them.
Do your own research: Gain understanding. Don’t just ask your Black friend.
Don’t have a Black friend? Get a Black friend!
And to quote Taishya Adams from Outdoor Afros: Step up. Step aside, Step down. If you see or hear someone say something ridiculous or do something ridiculous, then you step up. If you have an opportunity for a person of color, you step aside, you give that to them. And if you are in a position of over-representation for your group, then you step down and you make room for someone else .
Check the businesses you are supporting. If they have not come out in support of BIPOC people and the BLM movement or have remained silent through other social justice issues, consider finding new businesses to support.
Engage in crucial conversations with your sponsors around the importance of being vocal on issues of injustice.
Donate to organizations, clubs, and industry partners that are representing, serving, or owned by BIPOC communities.
Big River ride. Photo cred to my MTB BFF @seandoval27 #mtb #mountainbike #ellsworthbikes #rogue60 #singletracks #nemba (at Big River State Management Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDbiJ_llPBp/?igshid=16ns622adle5v
Here’s a series of photos I shot for a interview with Chris San Agustin @iamcoastal and Julie Baird @juliebaird for @singletracks about building trail, racing enduro, their ambassadorship with @iamspecialized and giving back. Check @iamcoastal link to check out the great read. #mtb #enduro #singletracks #scappoose #rockypointroad @brokenandcoastal #brokenandcoast #iamspecialized #portraitphotographer #fernsandberms #pnw #pdxmtb https://www.instagram.com/p/B-SVjRlnApD/?igshid=n7lsnrtj9qm3