My closing message to all the female riders is just this: I know it is really hard as a female to put yourself out there, but it’s something that must be done. We have the ability to be just as good as the guys, we just need to recognize this and raise the level of expectations we, and others, have for ourselves. If we all sit around and think, “No other girls are participating, so I won’t either,” then none of us will ever get out there, and things will never change. We have to just deal with the fact that we will be the first few females out there for a while, but find assurance in the knowledge that we will influence other females to do the same. If you want to ride, do it, don’t wait for others to lead the way. It’s an intimidating thing, but putting yourself out there might give the other women sitting on the sidelines that extra bit of confidence to get in the mix as well. And to the guys, simply viewing and respecting us as riders would be so incredibly beneficial and greatly appreciated. Your support and encouragement truly does make a significant, lasting difference.
Devan Mickell Council originally hails from Las Vegas, but currently resides in Nashville readying for law school between rides. Read more from Devan at her blog, www.sortalikeadream.com.
Katrina Medina
Long Beach, CA
I started getting into fixed gear bikes when I was 15 years old, as fixed gears started to become really popular in Long Beach. From the beginning, I didn’t want to trick, but once I did a barspin everything changed. I started going to events and everyone was really supportive. I was always the only girl riding fixed freestyle, and still am around were I live. I really wish girls would stop being so scared and just do it. I think girls could ride freestyle, it’s just the reaction that guys give them that makes them feel intimidated sometimes, as I often did. I would film myself and put them on Youtube just making simple videos on the tricks I learned. Through doing that I met Derred and Fonseca, they always gave me that extra push. For the most part guys have been supportive, but there have been many misunderstandings and drama over the internet. Girls aren’t going to want to ride anymore if guys are just going hate—that needs to be put to a stop.