Roll Models on Detours podcast
Athlyn was interviewed on Detours – a podcast championing women in bikepacking, ultra-endurance, and the many different ways they find freedom on two wheels. Thanks to Mel for inviting us on!
Listen to Athlyn’s interview here.
Building Confidence in Bikepacking Through Mentorship: Athlyn Cathcart and Roll Models
When we talk about barriers to entry and bike packing, so many things come to mind. For many, it's gear. For others, it's about confidence. For many folks, especially women and marginalized genders, it can be about not knowing where to start, not seeing people like you doing the thing and feeling like maybe this world wasn't built with you and mine.
On Detours we talk a lot about getting more women into bike packing, but how do we actually do that? What does it take? What does it really take to make someone feel like they belong? Roll Models is one answer.
It's a mentorship program started by Athlyn and her co-creator, Cordelia in Bristol UK that pairs women in marginalized genders with more experienced riders. The idea is simple: a mentor and mentee relationship. So folks have someone to ride with, ask questions to, and learn from someone in your corner, which can make all the difference when you're finding your footing in the world of bike packing.
In this episode we talk about:
How Athlyn’s own road into bikepacking: starting on a single-speed bike with a yoga mat strapped to the back rack
The inspiration she found in a mentorship program in British Columbia
How Roll Models was built and how it works
The surprising barriers mentors face, not just mentees
How we can truly create a welcoming environment in the world of bikepacking
And her big goal for the year: taking on the Highland Trail 550, her first bikepacking race