On Saturday morning of April 23rd, WTF’s in the Bike Industry gathered at the Red Stag in Northeast to brunch, share experiences, meet new WTF’s and make connections.
We started things off with fancy national geographic business card creation and swapping while eating some delicious brunch. Anne, Anneka and Beth introduced Grease Rag, the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, safer spaces and why we were meeting.
Here's what our very own Beth Wagner had to say on the importance of meeting up with other WTF's:
"You may ask: Why are we meeting again?! WTF’s are marginalized in a macho male world similar to how POC voices are marginalized by white supremacy - this is a chance for us to create a space where our identities are honored and centered. It’s a chance for us to come together, eat, scheme, build our power, celebrate, affirm each other’s experiences, skill share, and support one another. So let's eat all the things and meet all the amazing people and enjoy all of Anne's National Geographics collection displayed on business cards.”
Next, we heard from Cali, owner of Cherry Cycles on her experience at the UBI Women's Bike Mechanic training. Cali shared not only what she learned, but also perspective on the facilitation, how we can grow to be a more inclusive bicycle industry, and who she recommends take the training in the future. Cali’s experience and perspective resonated with many of the WTF’s in the room, and we can’t adequately sum up the knowledge she shared so please check out her blog on Grease Rag!
Next, the group was divided into two smaller groups to tackle big questions like: Women's Bike Mechanic training. Cali shared not only what she learned, but also perspective on the facilitation, how we can grow to be a more inclusive bicycle industry, and who she recommends take the training in the future. Cali’s experience and perspective resonated with many of the WTF’s in the room, and we can’t adequately sum up the knowledge she shared so please check out her blog on Grease Rag!
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what’s challenging about being a WTF in the bike industry?
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How do you (like to/want to) respond to sexist/transphobic/homophobic BS?
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What is one dream you have for the bike industry? Something to change or create?
It was insightful and empowering to hear WTF’s experience across the bicycle industry. Co-host and organizer Anneka reflects on the brunch: “It was great to see WTFs from different areas of the bike world (mechanics, advocates, open shop facilitators, racers, etc.) meeting each other & sharing experiences, strategies & ideas to make biking inclusive & welcoming for everyone.”
We brunched. We shared. We connected. A big thank you to Red Stag for graciously hosting us in their beautiful space and providing tasty coffee and treats! Because so many great ideas and dreams came out of this event, we plan to host another brunch in the near future, so don’t worry if you missed this one: more to come! Connect with [email protected] if you’d like to help plan the next one! Meanwhile, here’s some great ways to stay connected and involved:
If you identify as Women, Transgender or Femme, Thursday of Bike Week (May 19th) is especially your day! In celebration of WTF Day during Bike Week, the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition will be hosting and sponsoring two special events:
WTF Bike Ride to Red Stag with Grease Rag
When: Thursday, May 19th
5:30PM: Meet up at North Plaza of Government Center
6PM: Roll out to Red Stag (509 1st Ave NE)
Come ride with other Women Trans Femme identifying people. Meet new friends, empower one another and enjoy a slow-paced, short ride up to the Red Stag. If you don't have your own bike, you are more than welcome to use a Nice Ride! This is a WTF only space. Thank you for respecting it. RSVP here!
WTF Bike Skill Share at Red Stag with Grease Rag
When: Thursday, May 19th
7-10PM: Meet up at Red Stag (509 1st Ave NE)
Program from 7-8:30PM, can hang out until 10 OR attend a Full Moon Ride beginning at 8:30PM.
*You do not need a bicycle to attend this event...come however way you can!*
This event is for new riders in addition to experienced ones! Meet other WTFs, learn the skills and tricks to bike in Mpls as a WTF, and make some new WTF friends to take to the streets this summer. This is a WTF only event. Thank you for respecting this space. RSVP here!
Come out and enjoy WTF Day during Bike Week with Grease Rag and the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition. For more info and events on WTF Day visit the event page on mplsbikeweek.org
