News / Articles

I have been an avid cyclist since I was 13 years old. I remember when my stepmother let me borrow her road bike and from there I didn’t stop. I rode everywhere I could with a sense of freedom you crave in adolescence. One of my most memorable trips as a kid was cycling the San Juan Islands with 40 pounds of gear and camping far away from my parents with a profound sense of independence.

Over the years, life shifted. My cycling became more about commuting to work and charity rides. Living in Portland, Oregon, I enjoyed the bike-friendly culture but never found a true sense of belonging in the cycling community.

In the beginning of 2024, my husband’s employer had a back to work mandate which meant we had to move from Portland – my home of 45 years – to the Atlanta area. My employer thankfully allowed me to stay on and work remotely. This meant I’d work from home in our basement which sounds intriguing to no one. I knew exactly two people in Atlanta and no work community. I knew I had to act fast to find a community to combine my love of the outdoors, cycling, and strong, supportive women to connect with. After I Googled “women’s cycling Atlanta” the Sorellas were at the very top of the list. I became a member immediately.

Admittedly, I was nervous to ride with the Sorellas in the beginning. I’m an introvert and wasn’t too sure of myself. My first group ride was at Cochran Mills. I was exhausted from no sleep the night before and I was nursing a sprained ankle. Kim Eickhoff led the ride and she was incredibly patient with me. I knew I was slow and embarrassed because of it. She took the time to make me feel comfortable and welcome the entire time. At the picnic afterwards, I was in awe of all the ladies who had come to ride gravel, mountain, and road. They were from all walks of life, all different ages, all incredibly strong.

I am now a part of the race team. I feel very privileged to be a part of this group of women. I have never raced before, but I am learning and gaining strength every day. I know I can lean on this group for encouragement and without judgment. I may not win podiums right now, but I strive for it in the future – I know I’ll get there.

I’ve also stepped into a leadership role on the Board of Directors as Social Media Manager, which has been a fun way to showcase our adventures and celebrate women’s cycling across the Southeast.

When I first started riding in the Atlanta area, I fell in love with the Silver Comet because of its sense of cycling community in a safe, vehicle-free environment. I started leading rides for the club in hopes that new riders will find the joy and confidence of cycling with other Sorellas who simply love to ride.

If you’re standing on the edge, unsure whether to join the Sorellas, take the leap. You may find, like I did, that cycling isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the community that rides with you.