In spring 2022, Boise Bicycle Project started a monthly Femme Empowerment Mechanics evening to provide a social space for women, trans and nonbinary folks interested in bicycles.
As FEM Night gained traction and more attendees began showing up each month, employees Anika, Roxy, Joleen, and Matt realized Boise was in need in more gender-specific spaces in cycling, as well as more connection between already existing organizations supporting diverse identities in our community. RAR Boise hopes to unify and support ongoing efforts of inclusion in the cycling community.
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Anika
Anika (she/her) was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and spent her childhood riding her bike in her grandparent’s backyard, along the Boise River Greenbelt, and in Idaho’s Sawtooth Forest. She graduated from Boise State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Nonfiction. Her writing centers around gender, natural history, and bicycles. Her most recent nonfiction work-in-progress, titled “The Bimbo’s Guide to Bicycle Mechanics,” braids personal narratives with bicycle history and how gender informs her experience as a shop mechanic.
Matt
Matt (they/them) is an avid mountain and gravel biker who has been finding joy in exploring the trails and roads around Boise, Idaho. In addition, they are the Lead Mechanic and Educator at Boise Bicycle Project where they teach classes and help promote equity and inclusion in the DIY space. Even before coming out as Gender-Queer in 2020, they have been working to create a welcoming and inclusive community in outdoor spaces for all! They are super excited to bring not only their mechanical knowledge to the Boise RAR Chapter but also their passion for what RAR is all about!
Joleen
Joleen (she/they) is fresh to the cycling industry. She started working at Boise Bicycle Project and found a passion for the way cycling connects people. While working there, they helped to start an inclusive event called FEM Night where women, non-binary, and trans folks are welcome to attend and learn bicycle maintenance and repairs in a non-judgemental space. Joleen is excited for a RAR Boise chapter to connect with more awesome riders and share radical experiences with them!
Roxy
Roxy (she/they) If I’m not catching live music or hanging with friends, I’m on my bike. From bmx as a kid, to track bikes, to now overloaded commuters/adventure bikes. I’ve been on two wheels the majority of my life. I’ve always associated freedom and fun with bikes. I love getting involved with organizing, activism, and events. I want to bring like minded people together and create space for good vibes.
RAR Chapters will advocate, support, and uplift BIPOC and FTWN-B cyclists in their local communities! Find a RAR Chapter in your area and learn more about each group.
Latest Chapter News
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RAR Northeast Autumn Retreat
Have you heard? RAR Northeast Chapters are collaborating to create an autumn retreat in Topsham, VT, from Sept 13 to 16, 2024! WHAT IS RAR NAR? The first-ever Radical Adventure Riders Northeast Autumn Retreat is a long weekend full of workshops, group rides, shared meals, bonfire stories, community building, bike skills, and joy! The theme for the……
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RAR Summer Merch Drop
We’ve got new RAR t-shirts, bucket hats, and tote bags for y’all to rep this summer! We also have a limited amount of tie-dye Cat Bicycle t-shirts! Each is meticulously hand-dyed, ensuring every shirt is unique. Every purchase supports RAR programs that foster more gender inclusivity and racial equity in cycling and the outdoors.
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FTWNB Led Cycling Events
With recent announcements from UCI banning transgender women from competing in the women’s category during races, we wanted to uplift events doing the amazing work to create spaces for the FTWNB community. Here is a list of femme, trans, women, and non-binary led cycling events to support, follow, and attend. This is not a comprehensive……