“We inspire and encourage more Black people to delve into the outdoors and outdoor sport, whatever their realm of interest may be and at whatever level they feel comfortable.”
Are you afraid of failure? Worried about what others may think of you? Or just afraid to do something because you don’t know where or how to start? Fortunately, you are not alone and can work on changing your mentality towards the outdoor space. In the cycling community and today’s society, it can be challenging and intimidating to try new things, especially when Black people are rarely recognized in the outdoor spaces, feel like we don’t belong, didn’t grow up exploring nature, and/or not having access to nature or the tools to explore it. That is why the Black Foxes are here: to show that Black people are just as capable of being successful in the outdoor world. Whether it’s for fun or competition, when it comes to cycling and exploring outdoors spaces, we can do it too.
Anecdote
I’m a strong believer in the power of positive thinking. It took me a while to get there, and honestly, I'm still working on it. I moved to Colorado at the age of 23. Two years later I met my boyfriend Vitaly and he introduced me to mountain biking. I honestly did not know it was a thing people did. On my first couple of rides, I told myself that cycling was not a hobby I would continue. I have asthma, and because of that I struggled on the climbs. I also stayed away from group rides for years because they rode at a faster pace than I was used to. But as a Black woman mountain biking, I felt like I had to prove myself. I had to deal with White people staring with looks of confusion and questioning my skills because they had never seen a Black girl on a bike in the mountains before. I didn’t want people thinking, “she doesn’t belong here.” However, that’s exactly how they made me feel. I wanted to prove them wrong and show them I could do this too. So I worked toward living a healthier lifestyle. I started going to an asthma and allergy research doctor. Because of that, I now have my asthma at a controllable level. I have also found natural ways to improve my breathing, from working out more and consistently riding and improving my skills to changing my eating habits. Four years after moving to Colorado, I’m doing things I never thought I could, from racing and making podium three times to riding for fun and keeping up with friends on the climbs. To take it a step further, I took the time to learn how to understand the mechanics of my bike and how to work on my bike, both from asking friends and watching videos. With a little practice and education I now know how to do basic bike maintenance. Through all of this, I have met the most amazing people. Friends that accept and understands my abilities and help me overcome these challenges.
That being said, it never hurts to go out and try something new. It can be cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing, etc. The outdoor space can offer so many ways to get you out of your comfort zone or stay within your comfort zone. It may end up being your most favorite hobby. For The Black Foxes, it became a lifestyle. I’m not saying you need to start with a big leap; baby steps are great too. You will find a group of people that are at the same skill level as you, that have the same goals, and will push you to achieve them. It may be challenging, but it also gives you the greatest feeling of accomplishment. Remember, you can find organizations and groups to join that can introduce you to outdoor activities at your level of comfort and ability. Also, being outdoors doesn’t always mean being competitive and exercising. You may be outside just to enjoy and explore the beauty of the world. For me, the outdoors refreshes me. Throwing a leg over my saddle and hammering it out for a few hours is better than me moping around the house. It brings me happiness and less stress. Also, I like to compete against myself and push myself to my limits.
Don’t let anything limit you because of your differences. Some may tell you to stop worrying about what others think of you. But, honestly, it’s hard to do that when it is obvious that people are judging you. When it comes to making Black people feel included, there is still a lot of work to be done. Start appreciating and accepting diversity. Start learning more about other cultures and practices. Once we make progress appreciating those differences, we believe more Black people will participate without hesitation and fear of being outcast or that their contributions and achievements in the outdoor world will go unnoticed, unappreciated, and uncredited.
