Create. Play.

When I was little I crocheted, sewed, made latch hook rugs, made lanyards and friendship bracelets, so this was in my wheelhouse. Having the ability to bring some of the simplicity and joy of a childhood activity such as bracelet making to the Den Retreat was such a joy! Albeit, it had been a while since I had made time to create in such a way but the process came right back to me, like riding a bike, ba da bump! 

Shifting into the gears of teaching beyond just doing was something that took a bit of time getting the groove back. I often tend to slip into the habit of doing a thing, but showing others “how” forced me to slow down and really think about the steps I was doing.

All the more KUDOS to our educators out there doing the Lord’s work. Whether folks colored, decorated and/or made a bracelet did not matter; it was joyful to see others get lost in the act of creation and play. Let us remember that it is okay to sit down and do things we used to do when we were young; in a world with so much turmoil bringing more joy can only be for the better.

Shredding Stereotypes

In the world of mountain biking, the image of a rider has often been portrayed as a certain type - typically male and white. However, the reality is that the cycling community is far more diverse than many might assume. This is especially evident during events like The Black Foxes Den Retreat.

As I reflect on my experience leading a MTB ride at the Den Retreat in Mulberry Gap, I am filled with a sense of awe and gratitude for the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. The vibrant fall colors of reds, oranges, and yellows painted a breathtaking backdrop for our adventure.

Our chosen trail, Pinhoti 2, offered a perfect blend of double track climbs and fun single track descents. Despite the rainy conditions leaving terrain slick, the riders embraced the adventure with open minds. What made this ride truly special was the mix of participants, ranging from first time riders to seasoned cyclist.

But, the real magic began on the single track downhill sections. Here, the trail transforms into a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, and root sections. The trail provided a terrain where every rider could find their own rhythm and enjoy the ride at their own pace. The joy and laughter that radiated from each rider was infectious, infusing the ride with a sense of unity and shared purpose. Regardless of skill level, everyone was welcomed and supported, creating an inclusive environment.

In a world where diversity is overlooked, events like the Den Retreat serve as a reminder of the beauty and strength that comes from embracing different perspectives and experiences. Representation Matters. Seeing folks who look like you participating in activities that you love can be incredibly empowering and inspiring. It sends a powerful message that we belong, too. And we are definitely out there.

Until next time, keep riding, keep exploring, and keep spreading joy wherever you go. Because when we ride together, we ride stronger. The Black Foxes Den Retreat will forever hold a special place in my heart.

A Space Made For Everybody

The Black Foxes (TBF) started in 2020 with a mission to control our own narratives about Black folks recreating in outdoor spaces.

The Den Retreat is open to everyone, but it is centered around Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color. We want to create a welcoming environment for adult humans of all races, ethnicities, creed, sexual identity, orientation, gender expression, and any other way folks present themselves in this world. 

When I first started attending events in the outdoor industry, it was impossible to ignore the lack of other people of color, especially other Black people. The events were never marketed as exclusionary to my community, although the vibe was always off. I’d actually been called a unicorn a few times, and while the people who said it were likely joking, the unfortunate truth was that there weren’t many other people who looked and presented as Black in those spaces. There were barely folks who weren’t white middle aged cis men, so when we decided to put on The Black Foxes Den Retreat, we wanted to make it very clear who would be centered at our event. 

It was so lovely having a BIPOC centered space filled with laughs, joy, and outdoor recreation. There are enough events in the world where people don’t feel invited or included; we had no desire to create another one. 

This year we’ll be in Old Fort, North Carolina at Camp Grier. There are campsites for those who like to rough it in the outdoors, and bunk beds inside a cabin for the folks that prefer to sleep indoors. 

The inaugural TBF Den Retreat at Mulberry Gap in Ellijay, Georgia was such a good time that I absolutely cannot wait for this year. We’ve put together a fantastic list of activities including the all time classics of mountain biking, gravel biking, trail running, and hiking. There are also some fantastic off-the-bike activities and workshops in the pipeline! 

I’m very excited about the 2024 TBF Den retreat, and can’t wait to fellowship and recreate with all of you at this BIPOC centered event. See you there!

It Was A Fowl Time, But We Were Just Winging It!

Birding, like cycling, wasn't something I got into to pursue any dreams of grandeur. I started really riding bikes more just as a means to play handball at other parks around Queens. I took a deep dive into Birding as a passive hobby while I was on my hikes/trail runs in Decatur. I found joy in something while doing something else I had a passion for. 

Oftentimes I’m alone in my excitement for what I just heard or curious to what flew past, that wasn’t the case while at the Den Retreat. Our Birding group headed out from campgrounds composed of everyone from advanced birders to those who were completely new to the hobby. 

What I loved from that experience was how everyone was able to be a part of it, sharing what they knew or asking questions. There was even the sharing information on something as “simple” as setting up binoculars which can be a barrier if you don’t know how to do it yourself. It was a space to demystify aspects of a hobby that normally would deter someone from trying it out.

To have respect for these incredible creatures you don’t need to know everything about their calls, details or habits. That comes with time and intent. Start as small and as slow as you need. I’ll never forget our time on our bird hike and watching others looking up in the trees following the sounds. Or when we passed some dense shrubs and someone exclaimed “I SEE A BIRD” and we all hushed, binoculars at attention. Some of us got a clear eye on it while others maybe only a fleeting glimpse, but we all laughed, celebrated, and then kept walking. 

It was a great hike, it was a great time talking and sharing with our community, birding or otherwise.

Untrend: The Black Foxes | Giant Bicycles

Most stick with the comfort of the status quo, but there are a handful who genuinely make their own path. Marty Merritt and William Loyd of The Black Foxes fall into the latter group. As Black men in North America, cycling wasn’t an obvious or easy choice. In following their hearts, they had to overcome obstacles that many of us are far removed from. In doing so, Marty and William have achieved things we can all aspire to: to be honest with ourselves and to see that our greatness doesn’t manifest by following others. You gotta do your OWN thing. . .

Following this path has led them (and their bikes!) to places and experiences they’d never imagined possible. They both live just outside of Girona, Spain.

#RideUnleashed