Thee Abundance Girona Camp 2024… by Keshia
During Women's History Month, I had the amazing opportunity to attend Thee Abundance Project's training camp in Girona, Spain, organized by Ayesha McGowen, the first African American female to sign a professional cycling contract. The camp aims to support women of color from beginners to professional road cyclists. It was a unique experience to ride through the beautiful roads of Catalunya, learn about the local culture, and even meet professional cyclists like Teniel Campbell from Trinidad & Tobago.
This camp was particularly special for several reasons:
1. Representation in the Sport of Cycling - Only a very small percentage of cyclists in high-level races are Black, and even fewer are Black American females. The camp had a significant representation of Blacks and women of color, which was uncommon and drew a lot of positive attention during our rides in-person and on social media.
2. Historical Perspective - The history of cycling often overlooks the experiences and achievements of Black women. For example, Kittie Knox, a Black biracial cyclist from the 1890s, faced scrutiny for her cycling attire but was a successful competitor. There are also inspiring stories of early Black women cyclists, like the five young women who took a 250-mile bike ride to Washington, D.C., in 1928.
3. Empowerment and Inspiration - The camp provided a powerful and exciting environment for all participants, showing that women of color can excel in the sport of cycling and inspiring others to pursue their passion for competitive cycling.
Overall, the camp was a valuable and empowering experience, especially during Women's History Month. It highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sport of cycling and in the stories we share. McGowen has made it clear that her goal was not just to be the first but not the only one. Her cycling initiatives and commitment to the development of other women of color have been admirable. She has used her experiences and connections to create the change she wants to see, and cycling has long needed.
