Creative Cycling for Radical Freedom
Bike Camping Workshop Story – September 13th
When I first imagined creating a bike camping workshop, I knew it would require more than just setting a date and gathering people. My vision was to create a space where women could learn, connect, and feel empowered to explore cycling beyond the city. That meant careful planning, preparation, and collaboration.
The planning process began by reaching out to different organizations in Vancouver. I wanted to educate myself about cycling and the cycling community movement and better understand the needs and interests of people already involved. These conversations not only gave me valuable context but also helped me identify potential collaborators, and I also became a volunteer in one of them.
In other hand one of the most important steps was finding someone with specific technical knowledge who could guide participants through the mechanical aspects of cycling. This partnership ensured that the workshop would be both inspiring and practical, providing tools and confidence for future bike camping adventures, and I reached out to a woman that I knew and she immediately loved the idea.
Like any community project, there were challenges along the way. Weather was always a concern for an outdoor workshop, so I prepared for different possibilities in case conditions shifted. I also made sure to contact participants the week before, offering reminders and clarifying what they should bring and what they could expect. That communication helped reduce uncertainty and built excitement for the day. Last-minute issues inevitably appeared, but my connection with local organizations was crucial in solving them quickly. Their support, whether logistical or moral, made a real difference.
On September 13th, we met at Margaret Mitchell Plaza. I created a picnic-style setup with blankets arranged in a circle, which immediately set a welcoming and informal tone. The group included women of different ages, experiences, and reasons for riding a bike. That diversity enriched the conversations and allowed everyone to learn from one another.
The first hour of the workshop focused on bike maintenance and preparation for a camping trip. We then did a group exercise where participants collaboratively designed a potential route for the future, considering terrain, distance, service, elevation, capacity, camping sites or other options to stay, and other key factors. After a short break, we transitioned into a hands-on session. Participants practiced fixing a flat tire—sometimes on their own bikes—which gave them real, tactile learning.
What struck me most was the spirit of collaboration. At the end of the session, we agreed to create a WhatsApp group to keep in touch, organize local rides, and even plan a future bike camping trip (maybe next summer!!!!). This small action reflected a bigger truth: people are eager for community.
Through this project, I learned the power of connection. Women are not only looking for information; they want companions, encouragement, and opportunities to embrace new adventures. This workshop showed me that when we combine preparation, generosity, and collaboration, we can create spaces where learning and community flourish together.
