Category: Sidesaddle Blog

Studying abroad in Germany during college, Po Campo’s founder, Maria Boustead, came to love cycling as her way of getting around. Cycling provided an eco-friendly and affordable mode of transportation while providing a little exercise and excitement along the way. The only thing missing from her riding arsenal was a bag that could carry everything from commuting to work, to meeting up with friends, to long weekend adventures—and it had to look good while doing it. Maria wasn’t seeking the same old, same old. She needed something that allowed her to confidently be herself while durably standing up to new challenges, experiences, and all that living the bike life entails. When she didn’t find a bag already on the market that fit her vision, she took to building it herself.

Once back in the US and navigating the gridded city of Chicago, Maria put her experience as an industrial designer and avid cyclist to work and founded Po Campo in 2009. The goal was to create a line of bike bags that worked (and looked) as well on the bike as they did off. No more sweaty straps, distractions, or drab and dreary colors. Her motto? #BikeAndBeFree.

Since that start, Maria has forged ahead with the belief that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice sustainability for premium design and function. She’s driven to empower people of all ages to live a more sustainable lifestyle via bicycles and scooters for transportation whenever possible. She seeks to design for alternative transportation communities across the world and her tight-knit global team works from NYC to Ho Chi Minh City to make it happen. They exist on the cutting edge of everything from trends to advocacy. In doing so, Po Campo strives to continuously evolve into a more sustainable, more functional, more inclusive, and more innovative operation. With her from the early days, we at Terry are proud to support this women-owned company and share Po Campo’s core values: Be Bold. Be Purposeful. Be Engaged. Have Fun.

Q/A With Maria

Tune in as we pick the brain of the visionary and bagabond behind the Po Campo process.

Q: How did you come up with Po Campo’s eccentric name?

MB: Well, my lawyer tells me I should say that I just liked the sounds of the syllables together. The truth is that I was reading Lonesome Dove when I first came up with the idea for Po Campo. Lonesome Dove is a western about a cattle drive and Po Campo was the cook that went on the journey. A minor character, but I liked how he did everything his own way and had kind of a salty sense of humor. I also really just liked the name, and, as a visual person, how it looked. It is very circular – you have the p, o, a, p, o – which reminded me of wheels. That’s why in our logo some of the circles are connected. 

Q: How much of your personal life have you dedicated to your business since starting it?  

MB: Like most entrepreneurs and small business owners, part of my brain is thinking about my business at all times. I probably have done some Po Campo work every day since starting the business in 2008. I have found that you can never really turn the lights off and clock out. It’s what I signed up for. 

That said, it’s important for me to cultivate a life outside my business. I remember meeting up with an old friend a few years ago. We were catching up and she said, “okay, so what’s going on BESIDES Po Campo?” and I didn’t have much to tell her. It was kind of a wake-up call for me. Now I’m much better at separating work from not-work and enjoying, quite frankly, a richer life. Lately, I’ve gotten really into fitness and cooking to help with the aches and pains of an aging body and volunteering in my neighborhood.  

Q: Your HQ is in the hubbub of NYC, right? And before that, you were based in Chicago’s west loop? You must be a very accomplished urban rider. Paint us a picture. 

MB: Yes, I cut my teeth with urban riding. I found that Chicago’s grid system made it easier to devise low-stress bike routes. There would be the main thoroughfares with lots of traffic, but just one block over was a residential street that was chill. I had my favorite streets with nice tree coverage and good pavement for going pretty much everywhere I wanted to go. Chicago is also so nice and flat. I think part of the reason I started Po Campo in Chicago was that I thought it was so easy to bike there, why didn’t everyone do it? 

NYC is different. I first lived in Brooklyn for a few years. It is NOT on a grid system and I found that so disorienting! I would be biking for miles the wrong way because the roads had curved. The road names also frequently change and it’s easy to lose your way. I started biking with Google maps in one ear. Eventually I also found my favorite north/south and east/west routes, streets with good bike lanes that I could take to all my favorite neighborhoods. 

Now I am in Upper Manhattan and while I’ve got something of a grid system up here (yay), it is much hillier and the traffic is really intense. You have to have your wits about you! Getting an e-bike in 2020 really made biking in this area more feasible and enjoyable. Not only are the crazy hills not a deterrent (it’s called Sugar Hill and Washington Heights for a reason) but the extra juice can help me get out of a hairy situation more quickly. I’ve heard other women say how their e-bikes make them feel safer and while it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why, I totally share that sentiment. 

Q: Best thing/worst thing about having your own business in the bike industry? Any advice for other entrepreneurs? 

MB: Po Campo has a foot in both the bike and outdoor industries. I would say that the outdoor industry is more supportive of its founder community and upstart brands. There are showcases, pitch events, mentoring opportunities, and access to business leaders that help entrepreneurs more easily find a pathway to growth. 

The bike industry is dominated by its big players like Trek and Specialized and there just isn’t much of an eco-system to support and uplift younger brands, especially brands led by women and people of color. I think this is to the detriment of the industry because not supporting new and innovative ideas only hurts its long term viability. 

My advice to other entrepreneurs in the bike space is to reach out to other founders in the bike and outdoor industries for the help you need! We’re a small but mighty and helpful group. 

Q: It must be hard to pick favorites, but which of your Po Campo bag(s) has your heart right now?  

MB: This is a tough one! I’d say our Willis Feed Bike Bag is a recent favorite because it is just so darn useful. I’ll throw everything from snacks, to tissues, to sunglasses, big water bottle in there and I love how handy and accessible it all is. I’ve also been loving our Orchard Bike Pannier. I ride to the grocery store, hang the bag on the shopping cart, check-out, pop the bag on my bike, head home. It really holds a lot! 

Q: Aside from a functional, stylish, and versatile bike bag; what do you consider to be an essential piece of riding gear?  

MB: Okay, we’re coming out of winter right now so my answer will probably be different in a couple of months, but I always bike with lightweight gloves and scarf in my bag. Depending on the wind and how far I’m going, my body temp goes up and down and I really need these things to stay comfortable! 

Q: Cycling through Germany while studying abroad helped inspire you to start your brand, do you have any more overseas bike trips on your horizon? How about a dream “Bike-It List” destination?  

MB: I definitely have a bike-it list:

• Riding the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pennsylvania.

• Riding the Green Gourmet route in Slovenia (Adventure cycling did a story about this that made me want to go!) 
• A Netherlands/Denmark tour. Last year my husband and I biked from Amsterdam to Bruges and just loved it. Honestly, I would be happy doing this every year. 

Q: What is your ultimate vision for Po Campo? 

MB: My vision is that one day when I look out the window, the bike lanes will be as wide as car lanes and full of people, and just about everyone will have a Po Campo something-or-other because we will be go-to brand of stylish and functional gear that makes biking a better and more seamless part of your life. 

For More Fun From Po Campo

Check out breakout bike bags, now available at Terry.

Spoiler alert: Terry will be releasing a new, co-branded bag with Po Campo that will be arriving in early 2024. Be on the lookout because these bags will be limited in supply—you’ll want to get yours before they’re gone!

Po Campo’s Strides Towards Sustainability – An Overview

2018: Po Campo launched their Quest for Sustainability video series that documented the beginning of their journey to become a more sustainable company, featuring interviews with industry experts.

2019: Introduced Repreve fabric, made from 100% recycled water bottles, into their collection. The use of Repreve fibers has diverted over 25 billion water bottles from landfills and oceans. Compared to virgin polyester fibers, Repreve offsets petroleum usage, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and conserving water and energy.

2020: Eliminated all single-use polybags from their primary packaging and partnered with EcoEnclose for their polymailers which are made from 100% recycled content (50% post-consumer) and are recyclable in any stream that accepts thin film.

2021: Introduced Visi-Hemp, their proprietary blend of organic hemp, recycled polyester, and reflective yarns. This fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. Hemp is a renewable natural plant fiber with a long history of being used for things like ropes and heavy canvas because of its long-lasting durability. Even better, hemp needs no pesticides, herbicides or defoliants and uses far less water to produce than other natural fibers, like cotton. It grows quickly and even returns a portion of the nutrients it takes from the soil. The Recycled polyester (rPET) Po Campo uses is made from existing plastic and is a durable and versatile synthetic fiber that minimizes dependence on virgin petroleum-based materials.

2022: Switched 80% of their lining fabric to 100% recycled Repreve lining and introduced a new black exterior colorway that is a 100% Recycled Ripstop fabric. By using 100% Recycled Ripstop, they’re providing riders with ultra-functional, lightweight, tear-and-water-resistant gear while diverting textile waste from landfills.

Learn more about Po Campo on their website: https://www.pocampo.com

Follow the Po Campo Blog, Instagram, and Facebook page.

Contributed by Shanin Erb, Terry Accounting Whiz

---

I’m all about Terry, all the time. I don’t think there is a day that goes by that I’m not donning a piece of Terry apparel.

My husband and I recently transitioned to living on the road and have officially become fulltime RVer’s. Now that we are always in motion, I find myself wearing Terry more than ever (if that’s even possible). We love spending our time outdoors and exploring new destinations and Terry bodes well with all types of activities.

One of our favorite pastimes is walking and hiking with our two dogs. We have two Shetland Sheepdogs; Harley is 11 years old, and Bentley is 12. They both have really taken to the RV life and are all about new adventures. For our jaunts, I love wearing pieces from the Soleil collection because they are so colorful, lightweight, fun, and versatile.

When we’re not with the dogs, you can find us out riding. We purchased e-bikes a few years ago and boy, have they changed the way we bike. We not only use our bikes to explore new and exciting locations but to run our errands, too. My husband is the avid biker among us and before we purchased our e-bikes, I would often lag behind. The e-bikes have made it easier for me to keep up, go longer distances, and carry a greater load.

Terry’s Soleil collection is a perfect match for me. When I am riding or hiking they offer sun protection and moisture wicking. When it’s time to hit town the prints are very stylish and the tops stay fresh thanks to the antimicrobial fabric.

We were recently introduced to pickleball while staying at a Boondockers Welcome (a wonderful network of free RV overnight parking spots with hosts across North America) in Hickory, NC. Our host asked, “Have you ever played before?” and we told him we hadn’t but had always wanted to try. He was so kind and eagerly offered to give us a lesson after work. From there, we immediately fell in love with the sport.

It’s a bit easier than tennis but, remarkably, offers quite a lot of exercise despite the smaller court. When you’re traveling long term, it always feels so good to get up and play. We’ve been impressed with how easy it is to join a match and how friendly each person we’ve played with has been. Pickleball courts have become a ‘must-see’ destination for us and we try to find them in the cities we visit.

On the court, or on my bike, it seems someone is always asking “Where did you get that top?!” when I am wearing one of my many multi-talented Soleils.

One of the biggest challenges of being a full time RVer is deciding what to bring with you. It’s a minimalist life at its finest. It’s a balancing act to bring everything you may need while also maintaining close quarters. Your wardrobe needs to be prepared for all types of weather because no matter where you are in the country conditions can change quickly. For me, Terry’s attire will always make the cut because it’s so versatile, super wrinkle-resistant, and often folds down to nearly nothing. Terry is my secret solution for having a full closet of staples out on the road and why you’ll see me wearing it every day of the year!

Contributed by Gayle Lewis, Terry Brand Ambassador & Black Girls Do Bike SHERO

---

I don’t recall when I decided to sign up for the Selma to Montgomery Bike Ride and take on the route that commemorates the world-renowned civil rights march that MLK, John Lewis, and fellow protestors made in 1965 in an effort to register Black voters in the south, but I knew in my heart I wanted to participate.

Typically when I ride, I look at several factors—distance of the ride, location of the ride, elevation, and most importantly, the weather conditions on the day of. To me, the weather is the most important factor. Who wants to ride in the cold, rain, or wind – not me!!! I remember thinking, riding in March is not going to be pretty. It’s probably going to be too cold, even for Alabama’s standards. When I looked at the route ahead of me, I thought 51 miles is a long time to ride in the cold. However, all I could think about were my ancestors and the 25,000 people that didn’t care if it was cold, rainy, or windy. They faced much harsher realities than the weather. Sadly, during my ancestors’ historic march, they faced a life-threatening condition—HATRED! They faced armed police, police dogs, and the KKK.  They faced these obstacles with no protection, no camping equipment, and with no SAG support. They marched with a mission and a goal and they were steadfast in their determination to complete it. So, how could I complain or be deterred by anything so trivial as a little bit of cold and wind? 

At 4:00 AM we all loaded into a bus and headed to Selma to embark on our ride to Montgomery. Our route was the same exact path that MLK and John Lewis walked.  Standing in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge gave me chills. To know the blood that was shed there, and now, I was about to cross over that same bridge unhindered and supported by the Alabama police force. 

As we crossed the bridge, it was just a humbling sensation for me. Riding always gives me a feeling of being free. It allows my mind to wander and take in all the beauty around me as I’m riding. For this ride, I was literally trying to imagine what it must have felt like for them to start this long journey to the Capital. I was trying to visualize all those people walking along this very path. Around mile-22, I could feel their spirits cheering me on when I got tired after climbing many hills. I could hear them saying, “You got this! We did it, and you are a descendant of us—so you can do it also!!” With their words ringing through me in encouragement, there would be no quitting for me. I found my rhythm and I just kept pedaling. I wasn’t going to stop just because I couldn’t feel my toes or because my hands were a little frozen. If anything, it just made me push harder.

Even though there were other cyclists on the road with me, there was a sense of solitude when I was riding. A sense of peace.  At some point around mile-25, that sense of peace really kicked in, and the ride became even more enjoyable and meaningful. How beautiful the countryside looked as the sun kissed the trees and the open fields. To watch the cows grazing off in the distant fields, to see the water flowing ever so gently in the lakes along the way—just gorgeous. 

As we got closer to Montgomery (and the city limits), the country meadows quickly changed to urban housing, taller buildings, and more people sightings. As I rode through neighborhoods, I wondered if any of those folks even knew why we were riding, or if they even cared. But, we did get a few car horn toots and shouts of encouragement as we passed through. As I neared the end, the adrenaline kicked in a little bit more and any sense of being tired faded away. My legs understood the assignment and although they may have been fatigued, they started to work harder.  As I descended down this amazing hill, speeding up to roughly 30mph, I could see the end in my gaze. Less than a mile away was the State Capital! My heart beat faster, my smile grew wider, my shouts of joy were starting to arise – “I did it, I did it, I did it!”.  And although I have ridden longer distances in the past, this 51 miles was different! It had the most meaning of any ride to me. 

Just 58 years ago, I would NOT have been able to do this without fear of losing my life. And that day I rode an open road and stood on the same steps where MLK and John Lewis originally stood so that I could have the opportunity to do the very thing that I love – ride!!  I say THANK YOU to those people that paved the way for me and everyone else that showed up for the Selma to Montgomery Bike Ride & Relay.  If you ever want to experience something truly special, I highly recommend participating in this one. It will forever change your perspective.

To learn more about Black Girls Do Bike, an organization centered around growing and supporting the community of women of color who share a passion for cycling, please visit: https://www.blackgirlsdobike.org/

Terry boldly holds the title of the original women’s cycling company, and with that come big shoes and an even greater purpose to fulfill. We’re constantly developing, enhancing and refining our products so that we can act on our mission to help all women ride comfortably, confidently, and beautifully. We’re also guided by the goal of improving the riding experience for all levels of cyclists, not just to sell products, but because we truly believe in the transformational power of the bike. We are real women designing, riding, and testing our products – and our limits – to offer the best gear in the industry.

So far, 2023 has led to the introduction of 13 new styles, designed to fill major gaps in the market, extend our plus-size options, and promote the use of more sustainable fabrics, while remaining true to our fun and feminine roots. Our focus has always been ladies first, but we even have something for the dudes this Spring. Here are our top innovations of Spring 2023. 

Bottoms Up

Long Haul Short

A combination of high compression fabrics and our all-new Flex Air Max chamois define the Long Haul Short. The goal for this bottom was to design a lightweight performance-level short that would be up for the challenge of centuries, high heat situations, international touring and gravel riding. This was achieved with our new multi-density Flex Air Max Chamois that adds a higher degree of long term comfort without bulk, and a higher compression 6-panel fit that increases support and reduces muscle fatigue. Minimally constructed front waist panels and laser-cut leg openings held in place with a stitchless, silicone-free 10mm gripper provide a friction-free experience for long-lasting comfort. A nicely integrated smartphone pocket with a bonded edge allows for quick access to essentials. The Long Haul Short is also sustainably made in a green-energy certified sewing facility in the USA.

Grand Tour Knicker

Like its predecessor the Grand Tour Short, the Grand Tour Knicker provides serious riders with the support needed to pursue long distances, coarse terrain, a variety of temperatures, or any combination thereof—now in an extended 18.5 inch inseam. It is outfitted with features like touring pockets and our Flex Air Tour Chamois with a high level of padding, soft wing technology and perforated foam for breathability. It’s also made of Polartec’s tri-blend Powerstretch fabric which is fast drying, moderately compressive, and soft next to the skin. Designed with all-day comfort in mind, the waistband is elastic free and bonded to reduce seaming against the front waist. The leg bands, too, are designed without a high degree of restriction, instead using stitchless hypoallergenic gripper tape on the inside of the leg hem to keep things gently in place.

Breakaway Hi-Rise & Breakaway LTD Shorts

Our best-selling Breakaway line of silky, lightweight, performance bottoms has expanded for 2023 with new higher rise and visibility options. Both the Breakaway LTD Short and Breakaway Hi-Rise Short are USA-made out of a moderately compressive fabric and have the same sculpted paneling, flat seam construction and list of features as the original Breakaway Short (a Bicycling magazine Editor’s Choice designee). The Breakaway Hi-Rise has a higher rise and wider, elastic-free comfort waistband that extends the torso coverage an extra 2 inches for increased core support. The limited-edition Breakaway adds wrap-around high viz inserts to an area of the body that makes a difference when it’s in motion for increased rider safety. Both feature an 8.5 inch inseam.

Best-Selling Bike Bermuda in NEW Navy

A runaway hit when we first introduced it, the Bike Bermuda is now available in navy as well as classic black. The Bike Bermuda combines all the best things about Bermuda shorts (high rise, long length, leg pocket and grip-free hem) with all the best things about Terry’s Breakaway Shorts (silky fabric, sculpted panels, Fleet Air Chamois). It’s great for all levels and all types of cycling.

Rover Short

Field tested on an Italian bike tour and Montana singletrack, the goal of our new Rover Short was to provide women with a longer length, 2-piece short/padded liner combination that can be easily pulled on and comfortably worn on or off the bike. An alternative to the spandex sector of cycling, it’s made of a recycled stretch woven polyester, has an easy-fit, printed mesh waistband, and 2 front zippered pockets to secure essentials. The longer-than-average 13 inch inseam provides excellent coverage while the diamond gusseting allows for full freedom of movement. Included is our Universal Liner with lightweight Urban Chamois, ideal for spending 1-2 hours continuously in the saddle. The Universal Liner is detachable making this bottom an excellent option for biking, hiking, and travel.

Vista Skort

We designed the Vista Skort to be comfortably wearable in high heat conditions and on off-road terrain. It is made of lightweight, abrasion-resistant, recycled stretch woven nylon, and features a 4-way stretch waistband for added comfort and a secure but accommodating fit. The integrated liner short is built with our ultra-breathable and ventilating Fleet Air Lite chamois, and comes attached to the overskort to prevent the garment from shifting while riding. The outer skirt has a mobility-friendly overlap construction for easy pedaling and has an attractive, printed wrap-around yoke for added flare.

Aria 8 Inch Liner

The Aria 8 Inch headlines our array of performance liners this season and combines greater coverage with our Italian-made Fleet Air Chamois to support longer intervals of riding. The seamless Fleet Air chamois utilizes soft-wing construction to reduce bulk and prevent chafing as well as multi-level foam padding that’s perforated for superior ventilation. The new 8 inch inseam hits at mid-thigh, making it ideal for pairing with longer overshorts and skirts. The comfortable fit, breathable fabrication and signature stretch lace leg bands, remain true to our original best-selling 6.5 inch Aria liner.

Holster Hi Rise Short & Capri Plus

Two of our best-selling, high rise bottoms—The Holster Hi-Rise Short and Holster Hi-Rise Capri—are now available in sizes XS-3X. Well-suited for longer distances, both feature an ultra-wide, contoured, extra high waistband and moderately compressive fabrication to reduce muscle fatigue and increase circulation. Engineered with deep, stretchy, perforated pockets for quick, convenient access and the all-day comfort Flex Air chamois, the Holster Hi Rise Short and Capri join our inclusive collection of tops and bottoms for plus size riders. The Holster Hi Rise Short has an 8.5 inch inseam and the mid-calf length Holster Hi Rise Capri has an 18.5 inch inseam, priming it for multi-season wear.

Top It Off

Rover 3/4 Sleeve Top

The all-new Rover Top was built to meet the growing demand for active apparel that can cycle through all aspects of life. Joining our versatile collection of multi-sport apparel, the ultra-comfortable Rover 3/4 combines moisture-wicking performance fabric with buttery softness and signature graphics. V-neckline and raglan sleeves were designed for comfort on the bike—and everywhere else. The semi-fitted silhouette, hidden zippered pocket, and rear reflective piping make the Rover 3/4 Sleeve Top ideal for casual rides, travel, and recreational wear.

Tech Tank Plus

Fully featured for life on or off the bike, the Tech Tank has been one of our most wearable tops since its inaugural debut. Now available in sizes XS-3X, this tank offers more coverage than standard sleeveless tops with a simply styled crew neckline and a curve-flattering relaxed fit. Made from softly heathered performance fabric, the Tech Tank Plus is highly moisture wicking to keep its wearer cool, dry, and comfortable, no matter what. This savvy tank features a single rear patch pocket with a flap and the facade is finished with our upbeat custom graphics. The Tech Tank Plus further curates our collection of tops and bottoms for plus size riders and is a great option for women who are new to cycling or simply prefer a more casual approach.

Partner Up

SolMates: His-and-Hers Mini Collection

On our maiden voyage into Men’s cycling wear, we have launched the highly anticipated Men’s Soleil Long Sleeve Top as part of our SolMate line – a mini collection of companion prints for cycling couples. Our Soleil tops have redefined what cycling tops can be for women and as of 2023, men are also invited to discover the Terry difference. Ultralight, yet totally sun protective; minimally seamed but technically proficient for all-day riding; intended for cyclists but fit for real bodies and active pursuits on and off the bike. The Soleil fabric is made of a very light micropoly/spandex that can be worn in every climate and provides UPF 50+ coverage, wicks away moisture, feels cool against the skin and has anti-odor properties that will keep riders more comfortable, for longer. The Men’s Soleil Long Sleeve is outfitted with three rear pockets and a semi-fitted shape to move without restriction. On the Women’s side of the SolMates power coupling is our #1 selling Soleil Flow Long Sleeve Top. As with all our Soleil Flows, the limited-edition SolMate version features UPF 50+ coverage, three open rear pockets, and a relaxed silhouette through the waist and hips.

If you aren’t already familiar with Alexandera Houchin, the barrier-breaking, and quite frankly bada**, ultra-endurance cyclist changing the face of the sport, we’re pleased to help make your acquaintance. Alexandera routinely takes home first-place titles and smashes records (including those she had previously set herself) in long-distance mountain bike races like the 2700+ mile Tour Divide, The Colorado Trail, and the Arizona Trail. In fact, Alexandera is the first, and only woman so far, to win the Tour Divide in back-to-back years—and she does it all on her Terry Butterfly Century Saddle.

Alexandera is the portrait of endurance and the kind of athlete that reminds us that anything is possible with grit, determination, and a hefty dash of fun. Houchin will be the first to tell you she isn’t the fastest racer in the world, but she does however possess unflinching willpower that is incredible to watch. This trait may be intimidating to some if it wasn’t balanced by her magnetic personality and truly inviting spirit. From the first spark of conversation with Alexandera you get a sense that you’ll be fast friends. Always encouraging, she views her fellow racers as human beings sharing a journey and the challenges and tribulations that come with it, rather than as opponents.

Houchin is also a citizen of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and an advocate for increasing Indigenous representation in all spaces, including cycling. Alexandera juxtaposes the often white, male-dominated, and lycra-clad world of cycling by showing up to the starting lines just as she is. She is a steadfast believer that you don’t have to look a certain way or have a specific background to excel at cycling. By sharing stories from the seldom-seen perspective of a female, Indigenous cyclist, Houchin hopes to help other members of her community and the world at large, explore the joy of riding and discover all the fantastic feats they’re capable of.

As fellow industry rebels, Terry is honored to be supporting Alexandera’s 2023 race season and will be cheering her on as she continues to trailblaze her path as one of the greats. Join us as we play 20 questions and learn what’s next on her riding docket and how she keeps rolling.

Q: What inspired you to start riding?

AH: I started riding bikes as an adult because I thought the people who rode their bikes in Madison, WI looked cool. So really, I started riding bikes to look cool. Lots of other things were changing in my life around that time, too. I wanted more time for myself, I wanted to incorporate more exercise into my life, and wanted to have a little more agency over myself and my well-being. I’d been in an unhappy relationship and the only way I could get time alone was to commute to and from work. I had also been on a lifelong weight loss journey and cycling really helped me to regulate some of my neuroses over food and my diet.

Q: How did you shift gears from everyday riding to ultra-racing? What was your first racing experience like?

AH: Okay — I WAS NEVER GOING TO EXERCISE AGAIN!

I remember telling my mom that I was “never going to exercise again” after I finished my final credit of physical education in high school. I suppose it was all part of the manidoog (ancestors/spirits) plan. But I couldn’t have predicted I would be here now. I set out on my first bike tour in 2012. I left Madison, Wisconsin to pedal to our reservation in northern Minnesota. I then carried on, west to Boulder, Colorado. I’d wanted to travel, learn from, and experience the United States. I’d gotten lonely on those travels and always fell short of my end goal. I thought that, perhaps, if I found other people who had a similar goal, (pedaling their bikes from a starting line to a finish line) that I might be able to actually accomplish my goal of finishing a long-distance bike ride. I’d tried and quit my first Tour Divide race effort in 2017 and finally finished my first ultra bike race a few months later called the Smoke ’n’ Fire backpacking race in Idaho.

The Smoke ‘n’ Fire was a 400-mile race that started and finished in Boise. That first race experience was an absolute disaster! I had no idea what I was doing. I’d done several long bike tours by that time (including two separate trips from the southern border of the United States to Alberta, Canada), so I knew how to travel long distances, but didn’t know how to do that quickly. I definitely didn’t pack enough for comfort, but I did pack enough not to die. I ended up riding back into Boise just hours before I was supposed to be on my flight back to Arizona…

Q: Speaking of packing enough for comfort, what do you consider to be an absolutely essential piece of gear?

AH: A raincoat! It’s a wind barrier and a water barrier.

Q: What is your favorite part about racing and what motivates you to continue season after season?

AH: I love racing my bike in these ridiculously long bike races! I think the community and relationships I’ve built are my favorite parts of racing. All the rest of the magical stuff that has come my way since becoming a part of the ultraracing community is a result of building strong relationships. That’s the special part about being in a community of people with shared values— accountability. I trust that my competitors are doing their best to ride the route in a good way. Mino-biimaadiziwin, the Good Life, as we call it in Ojibwe, is a life lived in a way of good relation to all beings and things. And I only hope that they trust me to do the same. It’s in that vulnerability that we listen to and share with each other.  It’s definitely grown to become ceremony for me, and I don’t think it could have become what it is to me unless I felt a strong enough relationship with the community to try to be my very best self.

Q: Could you speak a little about your identity as an Ojibwe woman and how you feel it affects your connection to cycling?

AH: My mother was adopted out of our tribal community when she was a child and we had lost connection to our tribal identities. By the time we got enrolled and became citizens, I was already an adult. I had pretty serious dysmorphia about my identity as an Indigenous woman. I felt uncomfortable claiming my Indigenous identity because everything I learned about Native people in school vastly differed from my lived experience. As I embarked on cycling journeys, I created space to process my experience in the long hours in the saddle. I’d realized that my life experience was an entirely Indigenous experience. Now, I experience long bike rides and race efforts as ceremonies. Further, I feel a very strong responsibility to ensure that future generations have access to our cultural teachings and language. I work toward this goal by sharing my story as an athlete and Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman) with people in cycling communities and Indigenous communities. Even though I am a contemporary athlete, I am also a traditional Anishinaabekwe, and I embody both identities simultaneously, in every space I occupy.

Q: I know it’s hard to pick favorites, but do you have a favorite race to compete in?

AH: Ha! It is so hard to pick favorites. I love both the Colorado Trail Race and the Arizona Trail Race so much. I think the Arizona Trail Race may be my favorite. I learned how to mountain bike on the AZT (Arizona Trail) when I first started mountain biking, and have ridden the route, and sections of the route, more than I have ridden anywhere else. Despite having ridden the AZT so many times and being very familiar with the route, it continues to test me every time I ride the AZT.

Q: What was the most magical moment from your 2022 race season?

AH: Watching Ana Jager roll into the finish line at the Colorado Trail Race was definitely the most magical part of my 2022 race season.

Q: What’s next for you? What races do you have on your 2023 docket?

AH: I have all three of the major bike-packing classics on my calendar— The Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race. I’m also planning a couple of big through-hikes (recovery and training) and other winter adventures starting in December of 2023 and carrying on into winter 2024.

Q: Do you have any advice for new riders? How about those new to racing?

AH: K.I.S.S. – Keep… it… single… speed

Hahaha, I am just kidding, I am biased because I race ultraraces on a single-speed mountain bike. Keep it simple, though, is where I was going with that. Be who you are! And meet yourself where you’re at. If it’s been ten years since you were on a bike, give yourself some time to get used to the new habit. I was a new cyclist at one point (10 years ago!) and rode an old, heavy, Schwinn ten-speed bicycle. I wore my street clothes and walked up the big hills. I crashed, got bikes stolen and tirelessly tried to learn how to do the bike signals (I just ended up pointing the direction I was going and still do that to this day). Just getting on the bike is really all you have to do, and the more time and space you create for that will create space for you to learn what you need.  What’s good, or comfortable for you is the right thing— don’t let people tell you that what feels good for you is wrong. For new racers— I think that having serious conversations with your expectations before you enter a race is the best preparation possible. Are you going to finish? Are you going to quit if you’re not going as fast as you wanted?

Q: Tell us a little bit about your trusty single-speed steed. How did you decide what bike to use for racing?

AH: I have a few bikes and I use different ones for different races/rides. For my single-track heavy races, I ride a Chumba Sendero, for this year’s Tour Divide I will be on a Chumba Yaupon. For fat biking, I use an older model of Chumba’s bikes that they no longer make. I ride single speed for all of my endurance racing and go for gears for my fat biking!

Q: Who are your role models, in riding and life?

AH: My friend, Sarah Agaton-Howes has been so supportive as I try to figure out my path. I’ve really learned so much from watching the way she manages her career. My mother has been so strong her whole life, I definitely respect her for loving me and supporting me and the life I’ve been able to build. Rebecca Rusch has also been such a fantastic mentor as I have treaded into the professional athlete world.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

AH: Look where you want to go, not where you are going…

Q: Do you have a favorite local route to ride?

AH: I ride a lot of the trails in Cloquet, Minnesota when I am home. The Pine Valley Trail System is local and fun. Duluth also has amazing trails. I travel a lot right now, so “local” is an evolving location for me.

Q: How do you explore joy off the bike?

AH: Oooh, I love playing baaga’adewewin! When we are back home in my tribal community, we play traditional-style lacrosse. It’s one of my favorite community gatherings. People just light up when they are sprinting across the field! Also, folks really let their competitive side shine and it’s the best.

Q: Lastly, what led you to team up with Terry?

AH: My butt told me to do it. HA! Actually, my friend, Russ teased me about how terrible of a saddle I had on my bike and told me to “take that piece of plywood” off my bike. He set me up on a Liberator Saddle and I’d never had such a comfy bike ride in my entire life. I had always been someone who didn’t like to ride with a chamois and kind of just accepted that riding bikes was really uncomfortable. After I completed that 3-day bike tour with Russ, I never looked back. He didn’t let me keep the saddle, but I did end up with my own Liberator as well as a Butterfly Century. After a few long bike races, I knew that the Butterfly Century was the one and I’ve been a customer ever since. It was actually in a conversation with Vince, one of the owners of Chumba USA when he suggested, “why don’t you reach out to the folks at Terry?” I did, and now we’ve partnered up!

Now for the speed round…

Coffee or Tea?

AH: Depends on the time of day— I can’t caffeinate after 12:00PM

Favorite riding snack?

AH: I don’t think I can even choke down food bars anymore. I like, really really like, the hickory smoked beef jerky that they sell at the Super One grocery store down the road from my mom’s house.

Ultimate bike-it list destination?

AH: Alaska.

Cats or dogs?

AH: Dogs.

Current playlist or musical artist on repeat?

AH: I have a playlist I’ve been curating for a few years, so I gravitate to that one. I think my favorite song right now is, For Real by Mallrat off of her Uninvited EP.

Is there anything else you’d like the Terry Community to know about you? We’re all ears!

AH: I started a women-driven, bikes-are-awesome website with my friends Katie and Eszter called The Town Bicycle. We’re working to build a platform for bike media driven by women in cycling. We welcome stories about the bike experience from all women. We think that sharing these stories will make cycling a less exclusive space.

To keep up with Alexandera:

Visit The Town Bicycle website: https://thetownbicycle.com/stories/

Check out her personal blog: https://giwiizhaamin.com/

We’re committed to lifting others through the pursuit of cycling and have dedicated our entire operation to helping people ride safely and confidently. As a brand that believes cycling is for everyone, we’re thrilled to launch our partnership with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) in special support of their “Girls Riding Together” initiative (GRiT).

“I know there are kids who struggle and don’t get really to be kids except for those golden moments when they are riding their bikes. Some may say “it’s just biking,” but it isn’t just biking. For some of these kids, it is a way to heal the hurt, peel away the scars, and to see the beauty underneath. There is power in biking. There is power in community. There is power when we go beyond ourselves and see the potential in others.”

– NICA Coach John Buchanan of the Linganore Mountain Bike Team in Maryland

Founded in 2009, NICA develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA’s overall mission is to build strong minds, bodies, characters and communities through cycling and the Terry team shares this vision. In pursuit of its mission, NICA establishes leagues at a regional level, to improve the lives of teens across the country and positively impact their communities through coaching, racing, adventure activities, and trail stewardship, all with a big focus on mountain biking. All of the programs are based on the pillars of NICA’s values: fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community. 

FUN: NICA inspires friendship, joy and adventure.

INCLUSIVITY: NICA believes everyone should be able to participate in their programs and feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

EQUITY: NICA is committed to fair treatment, equal access, opportunity, advancement, and the elimination of barriers to encourage participation for all.

RESPECT: NICA expects consideration for all others, oneself, and the outdoors.

COMMUNITY: NICA unites diverse people, families, and communities through cycling by creating fun and welcoming experiences.

Start Small & Dream Big

NICA’s philosophy is that it isn’t hard to build and empower a cycling community when you remember to start small and dream big. With this perspective, their first league of five students in Northern California quickly blossomed into its current state which hosts 31 leagues across the country, over 25,500 student-athletes, and approximately 14,400 registered coaches.

“The sport of mountain biking is truly impactful for all, but especially for female riders. The challenge and adventure inherent in the sport develops confidence, competence, and leadership, along with a deep sense of community and belonging among girls and women who participate.”

Girls Riding Together

Girls Riding Together is NICA’s concentrated effort to get more girls on bikes – something we are extremely into, as well. Currently, girls represent only 22% of NICA’s overall national student-athlete participation. With the help of Terry and other dedicated sponsors, NICA seeks to increase this number significantly and bridge the opportunity gap. 

GRiT recognizes many girls and women need different things to feel welcomed and invited in athletics, especially in a male-dominated sport like mountain biking. To enact their mission of inclusion for all, GRiT coordinators are elected to each league to create a more welcoming environment for girls to join in on NICA programs by hosting girls-only events, rides, camps, clinics, and socializing opportunities. GRiT focuses on both recruitment and retention to ensure female riders keep riding after their first year and develop a lifelong relationship with cycling. GRiT exists to give the women of tomorrow incredible experiences and opportunities that will inspire them to seek inclusivity and equity wherever they go.

The girls of GRiT and NICA have gone on to enter the world of pro cycling, become lifelong singletrack adventurers, league coaches, and volunteers, as well as everyday riders continuing to stoke future generations on the joy and confidence-building power of cycling. In fact, the majority of NICA’s leagues are currently directed by women. Their determination and courage to take leadership positions serve as an empowering example to ALL NICA student-athletes, specifically those who joined the movement through GRiT. 

“We at Terry see the great potential of GRiT to nurture more young girls into a lifetime of women’s cycling.” says Terry President/CEO, Liz Robert. “We are thrilled to be able to support the GRiT girls, as well as all the coordinators, league leaders, coaches, and devoted mothers and fans who are so critical to making GRiT a success.”

“Through GRiT, we work to create a truly inclusive, welcoming and empowering environment for women and girls, so that they can experience the transformative power of this sport,” says Amanda Carey, NICA President. “We are so grateful for the support of Terry, which will enable us to expand these opportunities and invite more women and girls into our community.”

 “I think for young athletes just starting out, knowing that there is no pressure and as long as you keep finding passion and joy in the sport, everything else will fall into place. The most important thing is that you have that ‘why’ for loving your bike. And, there’s a lot more to life than just being a good cyclist. Ultimately, your character is what defines you.“

– Madigan Munro NICA Alumni and current Trek Factory Pro Racer

As a sponsor 100% dedicated to making cycling a more comfortable experience, Terry will offer exclusive discounts to student-athletes, coaches, coordinators, league directors, and dedicated NICA parents and guardians on our innovative apparel, saddles, and accessories. Terry will help fund and spread awareness of programs within the NICA network as well as assist in coach education and leadership development—training more women to be leaders who help implement and expand GRiT and invoking male coaches as allies to the GRiT initiative. Additionally, Terry will be supplying NICA’s steadfast GRiT Coordinators with special-edition Soleil Long Sleeve Jerseys. These special-edition jerseys will also be available for fans to purchase on Terry’s retail website, with all proceeds benefitting NICA/GRiT programming. Terry and NICA will share their resources and work in tandem to make the sport of mountain biking accessible to all regardless of background or ability.

How You Can Get Involved

NICA exists because of the generous support and collective power of thousands of individual actions from sponsors, donors, and volunteers. If the interscholastic cycling movement moves you, please consider making a financial contribution or donating your time to help get one more kid on a bike! Join us in inspiring a lifelong devotion to the outdoors, to navigating tough trails, and finding strength through cycling.

Donate to your local NICA League:

https://nationalmtb.org/nica-leagues/

Donate to NICA national to support inclusive programming across the organization:

Donation Form – NICA National

Volunteer:

NICA is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to help get more girls and more kids on bikes! Learn more and join the middle and high school cycling revolution today!

https://nationalmtb.org/nica-volunteer-program/

For more information on NICA, visit www.nationalmtb.org and follow @nationalMTB on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For more information regarding the NICA x TERRY Partnership, please contact: 

Camarin Martins Raine, Terry Communications Coordinator

cmartins@terrybicycles.com

Nestled in the outdoor mecca of Sun Valley, Idaho, Club Ride was born and built on the conviction that cycling apparel can and should be both technical and stylish. They believe the best gear is as easily at home on the singletrack as it is at the local watering hole–on both guys and gals in equal measure– sentiments we embrace and share.

Club Ride’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection remains true to the soul of their operation and brings irreverent style, high-quality technical fabrics, and mountain vibes. Following a hiatus from selling through wholesale partners, Terry is honored and excited to be working directly again with the crew at Club Ride. Yes, it took some convincing, but we’re delighted to once again offer their versatile collection of looser fitting, high mountain fashion.

Saddle Up To Western Style

The always ideal Joanie Capri and loose-fitting, wicking, and sun-protective Bandara Top answer the call of the mountain, and the call from your bestie to meet for a coffee.

Adventure all-day in the durable, stretchy, and refreshingly breathable Savvy Short and Bandara Top.

Pacific Northwest Meets Downunder With Ease

The Bon Courage Tee from Australian rule-breakers at Après Vélo and paisley-printed Savvy Short keep you rolling on the trails or just kicking around town.

As a buyer, I like working with Mike and his team because they are responsive, fun to work with and, most importantly, believe in our mission to get more women riding comfortably and beautifully.

Welcome back to the party, Club Ride!

Interested in learning more about Club Ride? Bunny hop over to their website: clubrideapparel.com