08/27/2026
This video might look like a group of girls just cleaning their chains.
But a class full of girls is infrequent in the cycling world. Somewhere between learning to ride and sticking with it, a lot of girls quietly disappear from programs.
Our Youth Programs Director Doreen has watched this pattern for years. Girls show up early, learn those first pedal strokes just as confidently as the boys, and then little by little, the numbers drop.
Recently, a long-time Grip Academy girl made a special request that stuck with Doreen.
She said, “I’m tired of riding with boys. Can we have a girls’ class?”
And Doreen thought: Why not?
That week, she launched our first girls-only, all levels class at Grip Academy — no guarantee of turnout, but if even one rider showed up, that was enough.
The few girls that came collectively decided that they wanted to learn how to clean and l**e their chains at their next class, and of course, Doreen said yes. We now have a growing girls’ class with riders hungry to learn.
Doreen understands the importance of a safe space for girls to learn about bikes and riding because she’s growing alongside her riders.
This year, Doreen was selected by the The Be Good Foundation | Nonprofit Cycling Foundation as a 2026 Mechanic Mentee in its summer mentorship program. This program empowers women and girls to discover their confidence, build real skills, and become leaders in the world of cycling.
She’s found the same thing her girls needed: a space that says you belong here, and we’ll help you grow.
On September 8th, Doreen will be at Rebecca’s Private Idaho | Gravel Cycling Event working alongside expert female mechanics as part of the race’s mechanical support team. She’ll bring this experience back to build up the next generation of riders in our programs.
It’s a new and scary space for Doreen, but this mentorship has reminded her that she doesn’t need to have all the answers to have a real impact.
In her words, she’s just sowing seeds. If one sprouts, she’s done her job.
We think a lot of seeds are about to sprout.
