Women on Wheels: Paving the Path for Inclusive Cycling

Hunter Ralston’s story is about the power of community and the passion for making sports more inclusive. As the founder of Women on Wheels, a Connecticut-based cycling club that evolved into a nonprofit organization, Ralston has created a space where women can embrace the sport, break down barriers, and form lasting connections.

The Beginnings of Women on Wheels

“I used to work at a bike shop in Connecticut called Newington Bicycle,” Ralston recalls. “It was owned by an individual guy, and his manager was a woman, Amanda. We became very good friends and started a women’s group at the shop.” This initial endeavor laid the groundwork for what would become Women on Wheels. Despite the group’s success, the shop was eventually bought out, and the program fizzled out as COVID-19 hit.

In December 2020, Ralston saw an opportunity to revive the group. “We all had nothing to do,” she says. “I started posting on our Facebook page, seeing what people were doing.” With the support of Jess, another member, the group began to rebrand, aiming to operate independently of the bike shop.

Evolution and Growth

Women on Wheels has grown significantly since its rebranding. The group now boasts around 1800 members on Facebook, with about 150 having signed the club’s waiver to participate in events. “We do group rides, Zoom chats, a book club four times a year, picking books about athletics in some shape or form,” Ralston says. They also organize social events, such as visits to wineries or breweries, and holiday gatherings. Every month there is a monthly challenge where members can win prizes. They also offer various clinics including Bike Wash Parties, Bikes 101, and Fix-A-Flat.

Ralston emphasizes the importance of adapting to the members’ needs and interests. “It started with, what do I want to do? What do I have the time to do?” she says. Over time, members began suggesting topics for Zoom talks and organizing events. “Anything from bike riding to lifting weights to mental health,” Ralston notes. “If you wanted to do a talk, I was like, rock on.”

The Club’s Mission and Activities

The mission statement of Women on Wheels sums up the club that will make every woman want to be a part of it. They state that their goal is simply to get more women on bikes no matter your level or style of riding. We take pride in being a warm and welcoming community for everyone. Whether you have never sat on a bike or you are winning races we want YOU as a part of our group!. “We provide race entries, maintenance gift cards, and organize trips to make it more affordable,” Ralston says. “If you’re splitting the cost of a house in Lake Placid with ten to twenty people, it’s more affordable.”

Women on Wheels offers a variety of events and activities to cater to different interests. “In the summer, we do a book club four times a year, picking books about athletics in some shape or form,” Ralston says. They also organize social events, such as visits to wineries or breweries, and holiday gatherings.

The club also hosts weekend getaways, with recent trips to New Hampshire and Vermont. “I really enjoy those,” Ralston says. “It’s a way to explore these places without being such a financial burden.”

Inclusivity and Support

Inclusivity is at the heart of Women on Wheels. “When I took over the Facebook page, I started letting anyone who identified as a woman into the group,” Ralston says. The club has members from across the country, although the majority are based in Connecticut and nearby Massachusetts.

Ralston manages the club’s social media, event organization, and communication. “I do all the Facebook, Instagram, responding to messages,” she says. “Organizing and connecting with our members is something I love to do. I could spend all day doing that.”

The club operates without dues or fees, relying on creative fundraising methods. “We’ve kept it free so far,” Ralston says. They raise funds through events such as mountain bike skills clinics, triathlon clinics, and Zoom spin classes. “I’m not trying to make a living off of this. I just want to give back,” she explains.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Ralston hopes to formalize the club’s nonprofit status and provide more financial support to members. “If we could more formalize doing things like helping pay for a race, giving gift cards for tune-ups, it would be great,” she says.

Ralston dreams of breaking down barriers and making cycling more accessible. “If we can financially help through entries and things like that, it would be amazing,” she says. “You look back to how I started all of the sports I’m doing, it’s because someone took me there.”

Finding Women on Wheels

The group is a testament to Ralston’s dedication and the collective effort of its members. “We’re more open to ideas now,” she says. “If someone’s interested in something, I’ll try to make it happen.”

Women on Wheels continues to thrive, fostering a community where women can explore cycling and form lasting bonds. As Ralston puts it, “It’s all about showing women that they can ride and be an integral part of the endurance sports landscape.”