By Amy Juodawlkis
The CRW Women’s/Nonbinary Program is happy to announce it is hosting a ride on International Women’s Day, on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 6:30 AM.
International Women’s Day is “a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality” (source: IWD website). The day is commemorated in many ways around the world, from conferences and luncheons to online dancing and fun runs. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Inspire Inclusion.” Organizations and groups are encouraged to find ways to “…ensure the needs, interests, and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included.”
The Women’s/Nonbinary Program’s goal is to invite more women, nonbinary, and female-identifying folks onto the road, foster connection with other women in the club, and act as an on-ramp to co-ed areas of the club. Its co-leads are Robyn Betts and Amy Juodawlkis.
“International Women’s Day falls on a Friday this year, so it is a no-brainer to pair it with our program’s Friday AM social ride, the Praline Croissant,” said Amy Juodawlkis. “To celebrate International Women’s Day, we will host a coffee stop at the end of the ride.”
Leaving from the Minuteman Bikeway terminus at Alewife in Cambridge, the Praline Croissant is a weekly, 19-mi no-drop ride with 600 ft of climbing. This weekday ride leaves at 6:30 AM, and is open to women, nonbinary, and female-identifying riders. The pace is 13-16 mph, and leaders pause in set locations to keep the group together. Though urban in nature, it is a lovely route, passing through seven towns, and past Spy Pond, Horn Pond, and the Mystic Lakes. ***Breaking: We are actively looking to also schedule a similar weekend ride open to everyone. Watch ChainLink and the Calendar for more information.***
“Our ride on March 8 is a chance to ride in solidarity with International Women’s Day, and to elevate women’s participation, growth, and empowerment in cycling,” said Robyn Betts. “We hope to see a great turnout for this event.”
