Brooke Goudy & The Roam Rowdy Rider to Racer Program
The following is a piece about Yeti Ambassador Brooke Goudy and her work with her Rowdy Goudy program. A program focused on getting women of color on bikes and also to the races through the Roam Rowdy Rider to Racer program. For more info visit - Rowdy Goudy and the Roam Rowdies websites
“I felt so prepared and supported on race day. The Roam Rowdy Rider To Racer program understands the importance of connection and community and their relationship to enhancing physical and emotional performance. The confidence and knowledge I was able to demonstrate during the race would not have been possible if this affinity space was not created for us. Being in this space has opened up so many possibilities and opportunities I never knew existed.”Tia Moore
The Roam Rowdy Rider To Racer program was developed to enhance Black femme experience and exposure to enduro racing. Out of the five participants selected for the program, three cyclists from across the nation formed the first cohort of riders. The program provided coaching and mentoring opportunities that allowed them to hone their mountain bike skills, overcome fears, and push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Participants attended a retreat in Fruita, Colorado where they received personalized coaching sessions and group skills clinics from the Desert Dose. Over the course of the next four weeks, riders followed the prescribed training plan with focus on skills and mindset was followed in preperation for their first race; the Sturdy Dirty Enduro in Snoqualmie, Washington.
Tia, Miranda, and Maxx performed above their expectations, finishing the race with an impressive demonstration of skills and tools they learned over the course of the program.
“I started Rowdy Goudy to create opportunities that I did not see for myself in the cycling world. I remember my first race, and how scared I was because I felt like an outsider - an imposter, even. I took my place in the back of the start line with my head down and my heart heavy. When I crossed the finish, my head was high, and my heart was full. And the joy, the overwhelming joy of pushing your body and having success was nothing like I had ever experienced. The biggest surprise was when my friend interrupted my finish line beer to tell me that I had made the podium. I want to give this experience to other riders, riders that look like me and perhaps never get to the starting line because they don't get to see themselves represented. Rowdy Goudy is committed to ensuring that everyone feels confident, has the cycling skills to perform, and is reminded that the joy of starting and finishing a race can belong to anyone that puts in the work. Tia, Maxx, and Miranda put in the work and for me there is no greater joy than to see them cross that finish line at Sturdy Dirty Enduro.” - Brooke Goudy
