Reflection of a 100 years

We began with a graceful trek around town by bike, enjoying the beautiful evening, with an intention of helping women find safe routes to ride through the city. Bringing awareness to woman’s issues and celebrating the History of Women’s empowerment while connecting women that are inspired to ride bikes with those that long to be inspired. Last night the culmination of 3 months of plan and connecting to women in Des Moines came together at the old Varsity Theatre with a special showing of the film “Iron Jawed Angels”, starring Hilary Swank. Swank plays the inspiring role of Alice Paul as she leads the National Women’s Party to gain the right to Vote in America. Not only is their story of Courage and Will empowering, but the emotional relevance of the oppression that was and is Women’s Suffrage, is profound. On August 26, 1920, President Wilson signed the 19th Amendment into action because women of every genre, class, age, and color were able to unite and stand together for one cause that they believed in. This day was not the end of Women’s Suffrage nor was discrimination against women ended but rather the example was set that TOGETHER WE CAN!

You see, today I believe the complacency of society tells us that we are stuck in our situations. “We have no choice in global warming”, “obesity just happens to us”, “there is no time to do things differently”. I say this is not so. If women 100 years ago could stand together for what is right and good through the hardships of their time, then why can’t we join together to inspire change today? Throughout history women have been empowered by the bicycle as it’s accessibility, affordability, and ease of use allowed women the freedom to connect when other means of transportation left them dependent on men. I believe today our freedom to drive cars and be everywhere at once has created a new kind of suffrage for American Women. One where our obligations to keep up with the Jones’ leave us empty under a shell of materialism and no time to reflect on the simplicity of our human nature to simply Nurture. Our maternal instincts drive us to Go Go Go for our kids, for our partners, for our careers, but only lastly for ourselves. We become trapped in a cycle of busy-ness that prevents us from truly connecting with the hearts of those around us or the fertile soil beneath our feet.

When I pedal my bike all the commotion stops. My mind connects with my soul and my heart and I am able to clearly set my intentions. I am not saying that I have all the answers to make the world a better place but because I ride my bike I believe it is possible and I am inspired to try. Everyday I connect to more and more women that also have this experience on a bike. It is a freedom of independence that stops the clock. The work is in setting the intention and planning accordingly to get on a bike, once you begin to pedal you become connected to the moment and are free to be in it. I wish that every woman in the world could feel this experience. I have dedicated my life’s work to making it easier for more women to integrate the bike into their lifestyle. I am not designing clothes because I am a fashionista but rather I see a need for highly functional, practical, essentials that are durable, comfortable, and support women feeling confident to ride a bike anywhere then go on with their day once they arrive. I don’t believe you have to have My Alibi Clothing to do this, but I refuse to sacrifice any of the values so that these clothes just may make it easier integrate the bike into today’s busy lifestyle.

Posted on: May 15th, 2012