A female race director (and elite gravel cyclist) on making room for all of us to rise.

By Laura King
@lauracameronking

women have been starved of space for so long that

when one of us finally makes it into the arena

we’re made to feel there isn’t

enough room for all of us

that if we’re not careful another woman

might come along and take our spot

but space doesn’t work like that

look at all the men in the arena

getting stronger as their numbers multiply

more women in the arena means

more room for all of us to rise

“stronger together” - rupi kaur

At Rooted Vermont, the gravel event I co-founded and co-direct, we believe that incredible things can happen when women are given the tools to accelerate their learning in a supportive and inclusive environment. We are committed to providing the resources and space for any cyclist to advance, regardless of her starting point. More women on bikes, more women lifting each other up to realize their potential in every realm of life; cycling is merely a vehicle to support that confidence and growth.

Because a stranger reached out with an offer to guide this newcomer to Vermont on the local trails, I found a new friend and business partner. Kristin is my co-director at Rooted Vermont, and together we’re a much stronger force than we’d be on our own, pushing each other to excellence and growth in every aspect and elevating each other’s confidence daily in what we have to offer the world. I am reminded of the community of fellow female race directors who have shared their ideas, energy, resources and best practices so that together, we bring “more women into the arena, and make more room for all of us to rise.”

I participated this past weekend in my first race after a long hiatus post pregnancy and the pandemic. Kristin messaged me, “remember to say hello to the women on the start line.” Such a simple reminder, but one that I took to heart. Women saying hello on the start line is powerful. We’re all on the start line with doubts, insecurities, nerves. Can you imagine if we challenged ourselves and each other to make this same concerted effort? Every hello feels like it’s breaking down barriers one by one to making cycling a more welcoming and inviting community.

I’m regretful that it has taken me so long in life to fully realize the power of women lifting each other up. The ability to see competitiveness as a strength, but a strength that still must be tethered has taken years of growing maturity to reign in. In my younger years, I didn’t know how to harness my competitiveness for good without it hindering relational growth. It began as a big sister, the oldest of four girls, often being driven in competition to them rather than offering support and encouragement.

I relate to the poem in so many ways—be it in sport or the workplace, I long operated with a lingering fear that if I wasn’t careful to defend my spot, another woman might take it. I’d show up to triathlon in the beginning of my endurance sport days and make a silent assessment of the women lining up. I’d be intimidated immediately by those who “looked” the fittest, and I certainly was not going to approach my competition for a friendly chat.

It hasn’t been an overnight epiphany—it’s been a slow maturation as I began to experience the power of women bringing their energy and talents together. In the past few years the examples in my life have been so powerful and poignant, especially here in my own community in Vermont where it it showcased daily. Vermont has something special; an extremely tight knit community with a very high density of high performing women, high achieving women, and yet, there is a remarkable level of support and a desire to give back and lift others up.

The Rooted Women’s Clinic came to life in 2019 because my friend Amber called and asked if I’d be interested in collaborating to get more women on bikes. She brought a network of inspirational and experienced leaders to our community. While I have solid technical skills on a bike, it was a weekend of learning for me as I soaked in the leadership of others with a multitude of talents different from mine: teachers, speakers, those who notice the person alone in the corner and make them feel included and seen.

When we think about our objectives in hosting a Women’s Clinic weekend, it’s the opportunity to multiply this movement: Empowered Women, Empower Women. While equal representation at our race is an objective we are working to achieve, we’ve taken a step back in our approach for change. Regardless of desire to sign up for our event, we want to equip women with the skills for cycling and a desire to take what they learn back to their communities and do the same.

Our hope is that all participants leave this weekend with new technical skills, having overcome mental and/or physical challenges, and armed with the resources and confidence to share your passion for cycling.

Gravel Clinic Objectives:

HAND: to develop the fundamental, technical skills specific to gravel cycling across terrain: dirt roads, “off”-road, navigating rocks and roots, cornering and braking.

HEAD: to expand our collective definition of who is a gravel cyclist and provide a supportive environment to take mental and emotional risks, and continue to learn through goal-setting.
HEART: to expand our community of women cyclists so that more of us are empowered to grow as athletes and encourage others to do the same.

If you’d like to be a part of this weekend, we invite you to fill out an application here.

Laura King raced triathlon for 12 years until discovering she liked playing in the dirt even more—mountain bikes and gravel bikes took hold. She has worked in the cycling industry for over a decade, co-founded the Rooted Vermont Gravel race, and is a consultant to organizations and brands in the outdoor space. Laura enjoys traveling the world as a family (with husband Ted and daughter Hazel) to race bikes, ride bikes, foster community and encourage growth of the sport.

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