Cycling has ultimate history since the 19th Century. Once, it was just a luxury of the upper class. And later on, it was considered a very stylish and even polite activity, but for men. The 1890s were the peak of cycling mania, which also brought chaos and hot debates on women's cycling. One of the biggest arguments was that it would take away the innocence and morality of the women.
This era started with bicycle face syndrome and continues to today's worldwide women's cycling competitions. Have you ever wondered why women got into bicycling and who reshaped the future of cycling for women? Let's talk about this pedaling path to freedom.
Where Can I Find Inspiration for Female Cyclists?
Women's Cycling history is the biggest inspiration for female cyclists. Women's cycling inspiration doesn't lie in the glossy magazine covers talking about women's freedom. It's actually a tale of bravery, untold stories, and the struggle of women who decided to ride in a male-dominated society. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner; there is always a hidden inspiration around you if you can find it.
1-Breaking Sterotypes in the 19th Century
Though the 19th Century was a transformative era for women's cycling but it was also a time when society imposed strict rules. Society used to think it was unusual for a woman to behave like that. They called women riding cyclists "brainwashed" and rebellious.
At first, it was considered as manly behavior and against womanhood. Doctors also added to this propaganda by introducing a myth like "bycycle face syndrome". Bicycle face syndrome means it would cause muscular tension in the face and ultimately, women's faces would turn masculine. Besides, they claimed that it could harm the women's reproductive system.
Leaving behind these stereotypes and restrictions, some brave women changed history. Annie Londonderry was one of the most prominent women cyclists of that time. In the 1890s, when controversies had taken over society, she made a round-the-world trip on a bicycle. She started her trip in 1894 with barely anything but willpower and a bicycle.
"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel…the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."
Susan B. Anthony in The New York World, February 2, 1896 (Page 42, Column 3)
Over the period of 15 months, Londonderry crossed several continents. She not only broke the rules of society but also overcame the harsh weather. She proceeded with her cycling journey through unfamiliar places.
This personal tour of Annie raised the standard bar of independence and capability. She affirmed that women can explore the world beyond their household duties. She encouraged the women to start bike rides, and thus, a woman started a global cycling journey.
2-A New Era of Women Cyclists
Professional Athletes and Riders
The past Annie Londonderry has become today's Marianne Vos and Anna van der Breggen. They rank as one of the top-level cyclists in the world. They are today's women's greatest inspiration in the field of bike riding. But whether it's Marlen Reusser or Katarzyna Niewiadoma, it's not about gold or silver every time. It's about the inspiration, freedom, and empowerment they bring to inspire domestic women who don't think about the world beyond their kitchen.
They ride on the road as smart, fierce, and skillful as men do. Their dedication, struggle, and training journey inspire many to push the pedal beyond their limits.
Daily Commuters around you
Well, cycling is not limited to events, races, or tournaments. Now, you can see daily women commuters in your town. Sometimes, we don't need to have a role model of a top-class gold medal cyclist. It could be someone unknown from your second street.
Have you noticed a female cyclist in your neighbourhood? You'll see a few of them going to the office, dropping off and picking up their children from school, and some early morning riders. Besides, you'll also notice a few mountain enthusiasts who took cycling as their passion. It makes us realize that it's not always about an idol, but the passion and freedom.
Women Cycling Communities
The internet is full of motivation and inspiration for beginner female cyclists. You can join multiple Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit groups and communities online. You can follow the happiest and courageous cycling stories. Online platforms also took major initiatives, such as Black Girl Do Bike. There is a lot to be inspired by.
Many Facebook cycling groups and the Women's cycling communities in Colorado organise weekly cycling rides and events. Try to locate a nearby women's cycling Boulder event and join it as a beginner. Most groups welcome new riders and offer support along the route. If you want to grow as a cyclist, follow the Cassiopeia Calendar for upcoming community rides, weekly pelotons, and open group bike rides near you.
Why do Women Start Cycling Today?
Women are the backbone of society, and it's health is most crucial. And cycling is an excellent source of exercise for women. In my personal experience, cycling not only improves your leg, core muscles, and stamina, but it also helps you improve your mental health. A study published on BMJ Open shows that Bicycle commuters had a significantly lower risk of being stressed than non-bicycle commuters.
If you are a woman like me suffering from stress and anxiety, it will not only balance your thoughts but also help you balance your body. Cycleplan UK performed a survey on cycling and mental health, which depicted that 75% of respondents reported a boost to their mental health after cycling. You don't need to be a professional rider to start bicycling. You can start today as a beginner. It gives you a next level of confidence and independence.
FAQS
1-Women's Bicycles: Why are there male and female bikes?
Upto the late 1800s and early 1900s, male and female bikes were the same. Women used to wear short skirts for cycling. But it didn't take time to realize that skirts were making the cycling journey difficult. And that's why today, women's bikes have shorter stop tubes and a different saddle shape compared to men's. They are designed according to the women's physique.
Besides, women's cycling apparel is different from men's cycling apparel. Female cyclist apparel is designed according to their waistline, hip muscles, and short torso, as well as for men. It's all about comfort, but anyone can ride any bike. You can wear any of the cycling apparel and ride any bicycle.
2-Can females cycle just as fast as males in biking?
When it comes to physique, men have an advantage over women. They have stronger muscles, more stamina, and higher VO₂ maximum. Higher VO₂ maximum means their bodies have more ability to consume and utilize oxygen more effectively. But these biological differences don't make women cyclists slower at all. Men are 10-15% faster than women, but in the ultra-endurance game, women sometimes outperform men.
Beryl Burton set a women's world record for a 12-hour time trial in 1967. And this record remains unbeaten at 277.25 miles. It took half a century for Alice Lethbridge to break that record. So, we can't overlook women by their physical appearance and biological differences. All it takes is the fierce passion to overcome.
3-Why do few women go bicycling?
There are still fewer women cyclists than men overall. And there isn't any biological reason. It's the 21st Century, but still, there are a lot of known reasons that restrict women from cycling. Some women don't go cycling due to safety concerns. A few women have stopped cycling due to harassment. In developing civilizations, it's still considered an unusual thing for women to for cycling. It's still considered against their cultural norms. So, if you don't see another woman around you cycling, of course, you will be hesitant to start over. There are multiple reasons, but time is changing, and soon you will see women acquiring their desired goals inadvertently.
4-Is it possible to be a female pro cyclist over 50 years old?
Cycling is an ageless sport. You can go cycling at the age of 5 and at the age of 50 also. Cycling is low-impact and joint-friendly. That's why it's the best choice for cardiovascular activity for 50+. It helps to keep your body weight balance and enhance your body metabolism. It helps you attain a stress-free mind.
Jeannie Longo becomes French champion for the 60th time at the age of 64. She is a 6-time French champion and a 13-time world champion in her age category. It depicts that age can't stop you from achieving something exclusive. We see many women performing skillfully at the age of 50 than young people. A study reveals that spinning cycling exercises have a positive effect on the body composition of women in the voluntary participation of the middle-aged group.
Final Words
Whether it's the 19th Century or the 21st Century, women have taken a long way to carve their names in the field of cycling. Cycling is not a name of individual improvement, but it's a source of empowerment and freedom. It will never be restricted by age or gender. It lets you be your own source of inspiration. Start your journey today with Cassiopiea. We help you shine your inner cycling enthusiast more fiercely and brightly.