Yeah Baby…Black Girls Do Bike!
With more than one billion people visiting Facebook monthly a burgeoning movement emerged when in 2013 one woman by the name of Monica Garrison put up a single page on Facebook igniting interest in a group known as BGDB or Black Girls Do Bike. Nearly four years later with sixty-nine chapters from Los Angeles to New York to Antigua, an island in the West Indies, with additional interest in future chapters emerging in Europe the birthplace of cycling.
“Black Girls Do Bike is an organization created with the mission of growing
Ms. Garrison calls her BGDB ride leaders “Sheros.” These women are all volunteers important to the cause encouraging, passionate about cycling, every ability welcomed to the group with a “No woman left behind” policy. There are no dues to pay to belong. If you have an interest in joining or starting one of the BGDB clubs in your area simply reach out to them via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Additionally you can support the group by purchasing club branded items from their store online at: http://blackgirlsdobike.storenvy.com/
According to the Office of Women’s Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, “African-Americans have the most, and many times the largest, differences in health risks when compared to other minority groups” ..having “more disease, disability, and early death…” These “illnesses and diseases…are among the top health concerns facing African-American women. Many of these problems are chronic, which means they last a long time, sometimes forever, yet, many also can be prevented.” Some of these health risks include, overweight/obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes to name a few.
Think prevention by taking charge of your health to live a longer life by choosing a healthy diet which includes eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein such as fish and by limiting foods high in saturated fat and sodium. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Exercise! Riding a bike is great exercise that can be enjoyed alone or in a group. Join a bike club to feel the love, to encourage and be encouraged by other women who like you want to get fit and enjoy a long and healthy life!
