RAR Richmond

Richmond has always had an incredibly strong FTWN-B cycling community, supported by the broader cycling amenities such as shops, infrastructure, outdoor access to the river and trail system, and the radical culture of resistance in the former capital of the South. 

This group in particular went through many iterations before becoming what it is today. Formerly known as Women, Trans, Femme Ride RVA, the last few years of rides and events that foster community is the latest in a multiyear effort to create a space that centers FTWN-B identified cyclists. Even in periods of hiatus, many of the members in this group have organized events, spaces, and programs that increase access to cycling for groups that are traditionally excluded from mainstream cycling culture.  

As the group stands today, accessibility remains as its core value; in providing beginner access to all cycling activities, providing a safer space to learn from peers, the empowerment to lead, and finding ways to provide repairs and bicycles to anyone regardless of income. The members of this group pride themselves on the range of life adventures they bring to the table, there are mechanics, messengers, racers, freak bike enthusiasts, DIY aficionados, mountain bikers, cargo bikers, youth bike leaders, and everyday commuters. 

As a group we work in a number of commercial shops, help run Richmond’s only bicycle cooperative in Northside, operate a youth-focused shop in Richmond’s Southside, organize Richmond’s Cranksgiving in creative ways, host the Big Queer Bike Parade every year, teach a free weeklong youth bicycle summer camp, facilitate a Monday night city and mountain bike ride, and host a number of mechanical and adventure-based workshops, as well as bike packing and touring excursions. 

It is our hope that with our efforts we can encourage and create more diversity in the cycling community, centering the access and leadership of BIPOC folks as well as our Queer community and FTWN-B folks. If you’re in Richmond, please drop us a line!

Alexa 

Alexa (they/them) is a radical Black bike mechanic and educator. They started out as a mechanic at VCU RamBikes (a campus bike shop) and from there, grew a passion for cycling and teaching others about cycling and mechanics. From the time they moved to Richmond, they were involved in different spaces of community work, and with bike education, they were able to combine both of their loves of biking and community organizing. They particularly have a passion for helping foster cycling spaces with and for folks who often don’t have as accessible of space in cycling, especially Black and Brown youth.   

@lexadenissse

Jillian

Jillian (she/they) biked everywhere as a kid in the 90s, not coming home until dark. She got back into it during the pandemic, and it felt like she was as free as a little kid again. That was a little over a year ago. Jillian is still new to so much about biking, but that free summer feeling is something she wants everyone to be able to experience.

@oneofajillian

Claire

Claire (she/her) has been a resident of the quirky small-big city, Richmond, Virginia for 9 years. Her passion for cycling really took off here because it caters to so many different styles of riding; the Capital Trail, The James River Park System MTB trails, Pocahontas State Park, city rides that can incorporate everything from gravel alleyways, cemeteries, and hidden parks. There is something for everyone and every skill level. We have a thriving community of riders, outdoor enthusiasts, and bike shops. Claire’s preferred style of riding is anything that involves dirt and getting lost in the woods – gravel riding and mountain biking are my cup of tea. I am looking forward to more epic adventures, multi-day bike packing trips, becoming more self-sufficient on the bike, group rides, bicycle safety advocacy, teaching bicycle mechanic and maintenance workshops, providing folks resources and opportunities to ride, and sharing the stoke of bikes and their many benefits!

@squashblossom