For me, incorporating morning mobility routines into my daily routine has been a game-changer. By combining movement, mindfulness, and prayer, I've been able to start my day feeling refreshed, confident, and ready. Whether I'm on a trail, tennis court, or criterium, I'm set up for success with a solid foundation of flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. I shared my experience with the Den Retreat campers to inspire them to find their own path to wellness and adventure.
Read MoreCreate. 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!
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.
2023 Reflections from The Black Foxes
Take a brief gander at what The Foxes were up to in 2023!
Read MoreRefleCXion! →
For the past two race seasons, I’ve enjoyed being a part of the growing Catalonian cyclocross community. Not only are more locals joining the ranks, but even some “guiris” (Catalan term for folks not from here) are lining up in local races. While the social atmosphere around CX here isn’t beer-handout-level yet, it is undoubtedly more laid back than those of road and gravel (yes, gravel).
Read More2023 TBF goes to Jamaica
So, what do a group of highly energetic cyclists do on a beach vacation without their bikes? The answer is not much of anything. But in the best way. We were headed to Montego Bay, on the northwest side of Jamaica, where we’d spend the next week exploring, resting, and celebrating our inaugural Den Retreat, which wrapped up a couple of days prior. It’s our tradition to link up once a year someplace in the world to celebrate the work we are all a part of - creating a more inclusive outdoors and specifically, the cycling industry.So, what do a group of highly energetic cyclists do on a beach vacation without their bikes? The answer is not much of anything. But in the best way. We were headed to Montego Bay, on the northwest side of Jamaica, where we’d spend the next week exploring, resting, and celebrating our inaugural Den Retreat, which wrapped up a couple of days prior. It’s our tradition to link up once a year someplace in the world to celebrate the work we are all a part of - creating a more inclusive outdoors and specifically, the cycling industry.
Read More2023 Den Retreat
If joy could be bottled and sold, the Den Retreat would give Coca-Cola a run for its money.
Read MoreThe Black Foxes Present: Industry Talks - the making of a gravel race
With the support of Hammerhead, Liv Cycling, and Giant Bikes, I (Alexa) had the opportunity to chat with a few industry leaders from Lincoln, Nebraska, about making a more inclusive and equitable gravel cycling event with Grounded Nebraska. For this episode of Industry Talks, I captured that very discussion while riding bikes on the rolling gravel roads outside of “Roca”-on Stolen land of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Pâri (Pawnee), and Jiwere-before the inaugural event took place.
Read MoreUntrend: The Black Foxes | Giant Bicycles
The Black Foxes at Maryland Film Festival 2022
The Black Foxes go to Baltimore for the screening of their debut short film “The Black Foxes” at the 2022 Maryland Film Festival.
Read MoreTBF on Mental Health
Prioritize your Mental Health
Read MoreThe Black Foxes Presents: Menstrual Talks Episode II
What kind of training we each do, what does that look like?
Explain how our cycle impacts our training
Any preparation leading up to, diet, vitamins, etc?
Methods for coping? Painkillers, CBD, Heating pad, Naps, etc?
Do you map your training around your cycle? What changes?
Positive Masculinity Talk
We're talking Positive Masculinity!
The Black Foxes sat down to have a live conversation on breaking the cycles of toxic masculinity, what the opposite end of that spectrum can look like, and what we can all do to get that end.
After watching this talk and you’d like to see more of discussions like this please drop us a message!
Skin-folk vs kinfolk
Before we dive into this topic I’d like to address the phrase itself with basic definitions. When I say “skin-folk” I mean people of the same race, specifically when they are not otherwise closely associated or similar. For the people in the back that means I’d be talking about Black people when discussing MY skin-folk. Kinfolk to me is an expression saved for my family (blood or chosen), my people (the homies, relations) and my community (IRL & social).
Read MoreBlack Present: History in the Making with Evan Greene
A series of conversations with remarkable Black individuals making their own history. In this episode, Marty speaks with Evan Green about his place in the outdoors as an adventurer and photographer.
Read MoreBlack Present: History in the Making with Brooke Goudy
A series of conversations with remarkable Black individuals making their own history. In this episode, Shanika Nicole (@shanika_nicole) speaks with Brooke Goudy (@brookegoudy) about her journey in mountain biking and how she advocates for more opportunities for women of color to get outside and get on bikes.
Read MoreBlack Present: History in the Making with Kriste Peoples
A series of conversations with remarkable Black individuals making their own history. In this episode, Kriste Peoples (@kristepeoples) sits down for a chat with Jalen Bazile (@jalenbazile) about healing, relationships, and the natural world.
Read MoreBlack Present: History in the Making with Erick Cedeño
A series of conversations with remarkable Black individuals making their own history. In this episode, Will speaks with Erick Cedeño (@mr.erickcedeno) about bike-packing and epic solo travels by bike.
Read More