Happy New Year! 2023 has been a ride and once again, I have fallen behind keeping up this blog and my socials to update you all on what’s happening behind CGR. What I had intentionally set out for 2023 was to live from the heart, center joy, and recover from burnout. I traveled a bit, read a lot, nurtured my curiosity, rested and spent time connecting with my family and friends, which I found incredibly healing. I planted roots in NYC and traded my bike cleats for ballet slippers to dance while I watched the world fracture bit by bit. Last year, I struggled to reignite my passion for biking due to burnout. Instead, I turned to balletcore as a therapeutic outlet, nurturing my spirit in ways that I hope will rekindle my love for cycling in 2024.
In stepping back to lessen my workload at Cyclista Zine, I created space to spark my creative inspiration anew. This approach, focused on maintaining a healthy life-work balance, somatic therapy, and centering joy in my work, that resonated deeply in a world craving such positivity for change. It led to the successful creation of issues like “Every Body” and “Bikeventure.” Looking ahead, I’m excited to resume quarterly zine releases, launch a bike book club, and collaborate with Terra Incognita Media to infuse fresh, feminist perspectives on outdoor experiences.
In the meantime, I’m thrilled to bring you an exclusive look into the latest issue of Cyclista Zine, “Bikeventure,” which I had the honor of working with a community of diverse experiences, geographies, and talents. This issue is a tapestry of incredible stories from diverse cyclists, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with our love for cycling and adventure.
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“Bikeventure” is a collection of heartfelt stories that transcend the usual cycling narrative. We delve into personal experiences that highlight the transformative power of cycling. From crossing borders and embracing cultural diversity to challenging gender stereotypes and advocating for inclusion, this issue has it all. Each story is a unique perspective on the world as seen from two wheels, filled with inspiration and a deep connection to both the cycling community, the land, and the world at large.
What sets “Bikeventure” apart is its commitment to intersectional feminism, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. The zine showcases vibrant experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing how diverse backgrounds enrich our cycling adventures and connects us in a profound way. It’s a refreshing and much-needed perspective in the cycling world when much of bike adventure media is about the grind rather than the joy.
As I pored over each contribution, I was struck by the resilience and joy that cycling adventure brings into our lives. It’s not just about the physical journey or distance really; it’s about the metaphysical exploration of spaces and connections influenced by our individual and collective narratives.
I invite you to immerse yourself in these stories and join us in this journey of discovery and connection. “Bikeventure” is available for purchase at Cyclista Zine’s Shop, and I assure you, it’s a journey worth embarking on.
Happy New Year. Keep pedaling and exploring,
Christina