SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bell Helmets has named six female mountain bike ambassadors for its new Joy Ride grass-roots women’s program. The Joy Ride ambassadors will work to inspire and enable female mountain bikers with structured fun and social rides for all skill levels in a non-racing environment.
“I’m thrilled to have these six ladies representing our brand and helping us bring more women in to mountain biking. They are all involved in their local communities, incredibly passionate about mountain biking and empowering women to enjoy the sport,” said Jessica Klodnicki, executive vice president and general manager of Bell.
“I’ve cultivated a local women’s mountain bike group that has blossomed to more than 300 women and have seen firsthand the power of women coming together to create riding communities. I can’t wait to see the enthusiasm for mountain biking that our Joy Ride ambassadors will create next year.”
Bell received almost 200 applications for five ambassador spots in cities with growing mountain biking scenes. After long deliberations, Bell added a sixth location and ambassador position.
The 2016 Joy Ride Ambassadors are:
- Karina Magrath, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Magrath is a recipient of a PMBI Level 1 coaching certification who has recently starting hosting local women’s rides.
- Veronique Pardee, Tucson, Arizona: Pardee coaches a youth cycling program called El Grupo and started the women’s InSession riding program.
- Samantha Jones, Kansas City, Missouri: Jones is a park ranger and the newly elected president of the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club.
- Amber Krueger, Madison, Wisconsin: Krueger is a member of Revolution Cycles Cycling Club and founder of a women's mountain bike forum and biweekly ride in conjunction with IMBA and its local chapter, CORP.
- Missy Petty, Knoxville, Tennessee: Petty is a women’s ride leader for the Easy Rider MTB Ride with TN Valley Bikes and no-drop women's MTB rides with Harper's Bike Shop. She is also an active member of Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
- Kendell Ryan, Richmond, Virginia: Ryan is a member of River City Women’s Racing, which has strong connections in the community for bike advocacy, and is a former member of local Team LUNA Chix.
In March, the ambassadors will visit Santa Cruz, California, where they will be indoctrinated into the program, meet the team and experience a Girls Rock ride, which inspired the Joy Ride program.
When the ambassadors return to their local communities, they will be charged with starting monthly women’s mountain bike riding programs that capture the spirit of Joy Ride. Bell will provide field support including a guidebook, digital tool kits, promotional gear and budget to quickly cultivate these riding programs in their communities.
Because Bell received so many applications from women who are already building or running women’s programs in their local areas, the company will build a comprehensive map to connect existing women’s riding groups across the country. Bell welcomes all women’s groups that want to be listed on the map. Visit Bell’s website to learn more.
In addition to the grass-roots program, Bell has also launched an all-new 2016 Joy Ride collection, inspired and designed by women. The line consists of eight women’s helmets for all-mountain/trail riders, active lifestyle riders, plus performance and sport road female cyclists.
