Sports
Women in Cycling: Fear, Autonomy, and Community Strength
Gisele Gasparotto of Lulu Ciclismo reveals how cycling transforms women's lives in the sport.
Discover how women's cycling, through community and technique, empowers women. Gisele Gasparotto, founder of Lulu Ciclismo, shares her journey and insights on overcoming fears and finding freedom on two wheels. An inspiring conversation for anyone looking to start cycling.
On the "Girls Who Run" podcast, hosts Mariana Real and Marcela Fanti welcomed Gisele Gasparotto, a cyclist, entrepreneur, and founder of Lulu Ciclismo, as well as the host of the "Na Roda do Stemma" show. The chat, which extended beyond running, explored the world of women's cycling, unraveling fears, the importance of autonomy, and the transformative power of community in the sport. The conversation highlighted how the bicycle can become a space of freedom and belonging for women.
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Unveiling Women's Cycling: Beyond the Ride
For many women, starting to cycle isn't just about getting on the bike; it's about overcoming a series of fears and insecurities. Gisele Gasparotto shares that, historically, cycling wasn't a space created for them, leading to apprehensions such as: fear of falling, not keeping up with the group, not knowing how to shift gears, or being judged. She herself had a challenging start, using a bicycle for transportation in São Paulo in 2005, even before cycling infrastructure existed, and dealing with harassment situations.
According to Gisele, the difference between knowing how to ride a bike and knowing how to cycle is crucial for the sport. Technique is fundamental for safety, efficiency, and performance. This includes learning to use brakes correctly, engaging the right muscles for stability, cornering with the hips (not just the handlebars), and understanding gear shifting. A lack of initial knowledge can lead to bad habits and insecurities, deterring women from the sport.
Lulu Ciclismo: A Community That Transforms
Lulu Ciclismo was born from Gisele's passion for seeing more women in the sport that changed her life. Initially focused on improving cyclists' technique, the initiative expanded to welcome beginners. The name "Lulu" was inspired by the Lululemon brand, which had a women's cycling team in partnership with Specialized, but it also alludes to the "Luluzinha's Club" (Little Lulu's Club) due to its essence as a women's group.
Lulu Ciclismo acts as a gateway to the sport, offering introductory courses and using Specialized bicycles for those not yet ready to invest. The 10-lesson methodology teaches everything from basics, like getting on and off the bike, to advanced techniques, demystifying cycling and giving women autonomy. In addition to courses, Lulu offers: in-person group training, personalized training plans, and the "Buddies" program, where more experienced students mentor newcomers. This community is essential for exchanging experiences, mutual support, and overcoming fears.
The Importance of Support Groups
Within Lulu, organization by levels (four pelotons, from beginner to advanced) ensures that each woman cycles at her own pace, minimizing comparison and fostering a welcoming environment. Gisele emphasizes that while comparison is natural, the focus should be on personal growth. The group experience is fundamental not only for safety (in case of flat tires or accidents) but also for motivation and building strong bonds that extend beyond cycling.
The Bike as a Tool for Autonomy and Overcoming Challenges
For Gisele Gasparotto, the bicycle represents accomplishment and freedom. She sees it as therapy, a space where she can solve her problems and reconnect with herself. The bike transformed her life, making her a more patient and less impulsive person. Cycling, by its nature, demands resilience and teaches one to deal with a lack of control over situations, a valuable life lesson.
Overcoming fears in cycling is a personal journey. Gisele highlights the importance of distinguishing between a limiting fear (one that paralyzes) and a protective fear. She warns against "overconfidence," which can lead to imprudent decisions, and encourages cyclists to make conscious choices to mitigate risks. The sport, once seen as intimidating, becomes a path to female empowerment and a new relationship with one's body and the city.
The Future of Cycling in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities
Although women's cycling has advanced significantly in Brazil, challenges remain. Gisele points to the disparity between amateur and professional levels, with a lack of support and grassroots development for athletes. The absence of national idols in road cycling hinders the sport's visibility and mass engagement. Furthermore, infrastructure (more bike lanes and velodromes) and a culture of respect in traffic are crucial for cycling's growth.
However, Gisele is optimistic. With growing female participation and the work of initiatives like Lulu Ciclismo, which aims to occupy spaces and offer a safe environment, the sport's future is promising. The experience of traveling and exploring new places by bike, such as the Estrada dos Romeiros or Poços de Caldas, is one of the great attractions, creating memories and strengthening community bonds.
For those inspired to start, the first step is to seek out a group or mentorship that offers guidance and support. Initiatives like Lulu Ciclismo in São Paulo, or night groups offered by bike shops, are great starting points to experience the feeling of freedom and belonging that cycling can provide. The important thing is to take that first pedal, allowing yourself to feel the wind on your face and discover the joy of two wheels.
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