Celebrate Mother’s Day on two wheels
CycloFemme describes itself simply. Composed entirely of volunteers, it’s a “socially-driven grassroots celebration of women on bikes”—and on that front in particular, with Mother’s Day approaching on Sunday, May 10, there’s a good deal to celebrate this weekend.
In the late 19th century, the bike was a vehicle of women’s liberation, not just a new technology that had most of the Western world in thrall. Before long, the bicycle became iconic of a growing movement, meaningfully conveying women in both body and political agency. It was Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, after all, who famously proclaimed that “woman is riding to suffrage on a bicycle.”
“I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel,” Anthony also said, “the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”
CycloFemme celebrates this proud tradition. “Year round,” they say, “our global community inspires and empowers other women, by making their passion public and the joy in cycling contagious.” Today, the organization has grown to include 25 countries worldwide, and has either hosted or organized 303 bike rides for women in places ranging from Arkansas to Africa. This year, 20 countries will be participating in its We Ride Together event—happening, very fittingly, on Mother’s Day.
Here are a few of the Mother’s Day rides happening in Canadian cities on May 10:
Where: Calgary
When: 2 p.m.
Meeting point: North end of the Peace Bridge
This ride will cover 12 km exploring cycle tracks and the city’s gorgeous river pathway system. The end destination is Village Ice Cream, and the ride itself is totally free for all participants.
Where: Canmore, Alta.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meeting point: Outside Bike & Ski in downtown Canmore.
While not free—the registration cost for this ride is $25—all the proceeds are supporting Fast and Female, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women through sport. Starting at 10:15 a.m., group rides for both mountain riders and road riders will kick off, with four group leaders (two in each category) guiding the way.
Where: Ottawa
When: Ride leaves at 2 p.m.
Meeting point: Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar Street entrance)
Two routes are planned for this trip. One will follow the NCC bike path along Queen Elizabeth Drive to Dow’s Lake, Preston Street to the Ottawa River Parkway and back to downtown for a group photo at Parliament Hill. The other is a simple out-and-back along Aviation Parkway, with a group shot at the National Gallery upon return. They’re hoping to do both.
Where: Oro-Medonte, Ont.
When: May 10, TBA
Meeting place: The Horseshoe Resort, at the entrance to the Adventure Park.
Bring your family! Bring your friends! Bring your dogs! This come one, come all ride will have something for both road riders and mountain heads. For the latter, the route will follow a 15-km loop through Copeland Forest, covering moderately tricky terrain. The road riders, meanwhile, will take a similar 24-km trek through the pastoral hills of Oro-Medonte, also with moderate difficulty. Don’t be deterred, though: this is a day for riders of all skill levels.
Where: Montreal
When: Ride leaves at 12:30 p.m.
Meeting place: Atwater Market
Covering a grand total of 22 km, this is a nice, easy ride with a destination of Parc René-Lévesque in Lachine for a picnic in the sun. Afterward, the ride leaves for its return leg at 2:15 p.m., rolling back into Montreal at 3 p.m. This ride is truly for everyone: parents, grandparents, seniors, adults without kids, friends and children, too. The kids can come in whatever way suits you, whether with their own bicycles, in trailers, or on mounted seats. Bring sunscreen!
Where: Winnipeg
When: May 10, TBA
Meeting place: Assiniboine Park (exact location in the park TBA)
Hosted by Velodonnas Cycling Club in Winnipeg, this will be a good day for cyclists of all experience and ability levels. Three hours of bike handling skills and group riding in the park itself will get riders ready for summer, while celebrating mom and women in cycling simultaneously. Experienced riders may be tasked with mentoring newcomers.
And if you’re not in any of these cities, the good folks at Mountain Equipment Co-Op have a few plans on May 10, too.
Where: Vancouver
When: 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Meeting place: In front of the Vancouver Mountain Equioment Co-Op.
Each week, Mountain Equipment Co-Op hosts free group road rides, which is a great opportunity to get Mom out on the asphallt. Completely free of charge, these rides are fun weekly meet-ups for Van City cyclists, with rides for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels.
Where: Halifax
When: 11:00 a.m. Atlantic Time
Meeting place: In front of the Halifax Mountain Equioment Co-Op.
This isn’t just any bike event, it’s MEC’s annual BikeFest, a place where you can do everything from get your wheels re-trued to your derailleur adjusted. In fact, there are free clinics dedicated to both maintenance procedures, as well as clinics for brakes and tire changes. Also, free bike safety checks will be available, bike swaps, and of course, a group ride leaving at 1 pm sharp.
