Marley’s List of Influential People in Cycling
Last month I was both honored and surprised to be named to the Escape Collective’s 50 Most Influential People in American Cycling. While it was quite the honor, as I read through the list of fellow honorees, I noticed that a number of folks who I expected to be on the list were missing.
As I dug deeper, I realized that this list was really just the brainchild of one man, who both readily admits this in the article and acknowledges that people would inevitably be left out. So I set out to make my own list of influential people that I think you should know in the bike world.
Last month I was both honored and surprised to be named to the Escape Collective’s 50 Most Influential People in American Cycling. While it was quite the honor, as I read through the list of fellow honorees, I noticed that a number of folks who I expected to be on the list were missing.
As I dug deeper, I realized that this list was really just the brainchild of one man, who both readily admits this in the article and acknowledges that people would inevitably be left out. So I set out to make my own list of influential people that I think you should know in the bike world.
This list is in no particular order, and each person (or group) has given permission to be included in this list. I encourage you to support their work - follow their social media, amplify their messages, and dig in to the good work they’re doing. And let me know in the comments - who else would you want included?
monica garrison - Founder of Black Girls Do Bike
Monica Garrison is the Founder, Executive Director and Chief Storyteller at Black Girls Do Bike. She is tasked with fueling 100+ BGDB chapters worldwide and a network of 180+ lady leaders. She believes that the simple act of riding a bike can be a catalyst for wonderful, life-changing experiences for women of all ages. Growing and supporting a community of women who share a passion for cycling is her north star.
Monica Garrison at Thick Bikes in Pittsburg, PA. Photographer: Diana Hildebrand (@devahd cycling)
Clare Paniccia - growing gravel in oklahoma
Clare Paniccia is a freelance photographer, digital media creator, social media manager, event director, and professional stoke aficionado. Clare is deeply involved in gravel cycling in Oklahoma, as the Founder/Brains/Heart behind The Truffle Shuffle, the Director of Stuff for Tulsa Tough, and The Osage Passage.
Clare has a big heart for growing inclusion in gravel, currently working on launching The Gravel Alliance, which seeks to promote grassroots gravel cycling events that focus on diversity and inclusion.
Follow Clare here, and be sure to check out The Truffle Shuffle, Tulsa Tough, The Osage Passage event series, and her AI fueled-fever dream experiment, VeloDreams.
Clare Paniccia at Truffle Shuffle 2022. Photo by Joshua Strong (@_joshuawstrong)
Eliot Jackson - founder of GRow Cycling foundation
Did you know that the first pump track in Los Angeles just opened in 2023? Its true, and we can thank Eliot Jackson for making it happen.
Eliot Jackson is the Founder of Grow Cycling Foundation, a nonprofit working to grow cycling through Community, Access, Education, and Opportunity. You might also recognize Eliot Jackson from his storied career in cycling, which includes racing downhill at the World Cup level and commentating for Red Bull. Eliot is also an athlete for Santa Cruz bicycles, Rapha, and Maxxis Tires.
Eliot Jackson at the opening day of the Inglewood Pumptrack
Tom Fulcoloro
Tom Fucoloro is the Founder and Editor of Seattle Bike Blog. An independent journalist originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Tom sold his car to pay for his move to Seattle. He quickly learned to love biking while getting around this beautiful town. He believes in the power of independent journalism and that more people biking more places safely is a good thing for our society.
Seattle Met named Tom one of “The 15 People Who Should Really Run Seattle” in 2015.
Cascade Bicycle Club named Tom the recipient of the 2023 Doug Walker Award “for outstanding leadership in improving lives through bicycling.”
Tom is the author of “Biking Uphill in the Rain - The Story of Seattle from Behind the Handlebars” and is very responsible for my advocacy and activism.
annijke wade
Annijke (she/her) is an adaptive mountain biker and para off-road cyclist. In 2021, Annijke sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrible downhill mountain biking accident. Just three months after her accident, she was back on a mountain bike.
In 2023, Annijke founded DirtBound - a para off-road cycling initiaitve. Outside of loving mountain biking and being outdoors, Annijke also is passionate about making the outdoors and mountain biking a safe space for all.
Annijke Wade playing on her Bowhead adaptive bike
the roam collective
(Disclaimer - I tried to make this one Andy and Ash Zoltan of ROAM Fest, but they insisted on recognizing their entire crew, which I’m not mad about.)
The Roam Collective is a nonprofit organization with a mission is to celebrate and elevate representation in the mountain bike community by supporting inclusive programming and partnerships. The Roam Collective is a sister organization to Roam Fest, where nearly all of their initiatives are implemented. Their initiatives include providing financial support for riders, a BIPOC initiative, a para-adaptive program, a media core, and the Shred Talks panel (which I was honored to be part of in May 2022.)
Roam Fest is the world's first & largest femme mtb festival for everybody. They curate intentional (aka fun as hell) space for women, genderqueer femme folks, and non-traditional riders to build community while playing bikes in a world-class riding destination.
The Roam crew
susan cronin, cait dumas, & sally turner
Susan Cronin, Cait Dumas and Sally Turner are the powerhouse team behind Grounded Nebraska - a cycling event you need to put on your radar. Grounded Nebraska bills itself as “A community-centric bike race, ride and festival just outside of Lincoln bringing us all together for a summer camp weekend..but, with bikes.”
And after having attended Grounded Nebraska in June 2023, I wish I could send every event director to Nebraska for a weekend with this crew. Their commitment to inclusion runs deep through everything they do - from a compensated advisory board to equity-based podiums, Susan, Cait and Sally have thought of everything.
Each of these women is making a difference outside of Grounded Nebraska as well.
Cait Dumas-Hein (she/her) is the co-founder of Grounded Nebraska and the Associate Director of Bike Walk Nebraska, an active transportation non-profit. Cait self-labels as a community cultivator and has spent a decade creating spaces for underrepresented demographics in cycling. She loves snuggling with her dogs, binging historical dramas, and dancing when not in the bike world.
Susan Cronin (she/her) is co-founder of Grounded Nebraska and owner of Champion System USA. As a queen of operations, her attention to detail and expertise embodies the Gravel Mom vibe for the Grounded Nebraska community as she celebrates and welcomes all to the start line. Outside of the bike world, Susan sews and renovates her home.
Sally Turner (she/her) joined the Grounded Nebraska team in 2023 as the Queen of Stuff. A cycling event management veteran, Sally co-directs The Truffle Shuffle and is the co-conspirator of Gobble Cross. She is passionate about creating spaces for people to gather and exist as their most authentic selves and believes bicycles are a beautiful tool to facilitate community. Sally enjoys gardening, experimenting with gluten-free baking, and reading in her time off the bike.
Sally, Susan, and Cait
meg fisher
Meg Fisher is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, 2x Paralympian, 11x World Champion Cyclist, Motivational Speaker, Advocate, and incredible friend. She earned her doctorate at the University of Washington in 2014.
Meg continues to race bikes professionally, predominantly endurance gravel and mountain bike events. She also runs her own physical therapy clinic in Missoula, Montana. She loves to play outside on the trails with her dog Pax.
Meg has been a game changer for off-road paracgcling inclusion, influencing numerous events to include a para category. Meg was recently profiled by Bicycling Magazine as a 2023 Rider of the Year.
Meg Fisher
Let's Ride in Jamaica Together!!
Join Marley Blonsky for an all-inclusive cycling vacation in Jamaica!
Back in 2016, I was lucky enough to visit Jamaica while on vacation with some friends. While we were only in port for a few hours (yes, we did a cruise ship. Please don’t judge me too hard), I left with a longing to return and experience more of the island.
Which is why I am so excited to announce that this November 30-December 4th, I’m returning to Jamaica with Cycle Jamaica, and you’re invited!!
Cycle Jamaica is an all-inclusive cycling vacation that includes 4 nights stay at an all-inclusive resort based in Runaway Bay, and 3 organized day rides through Jamaica!
Each morning starts with a ride of your distance choice, ranging from 10-40 miles, leaving the afternoons and evenings free to relax, explore the rest of the island, and enjoy the amazing resorts. Optional activities (which I will definitely be doing) include a catamaran boat trip, a steel drum dance party, and more!
All you’ve gotta do is get yourself (and your bike) to Jamaica and be ready for a good time.
The packages through Cycle Jamaica include:
Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
Round trip airport transportation for host hotel
Pre-tour orientation meeting
Welcome Party with Steel Band
Farewell Dance Party with DJ music .
Finishers Medal
All-inclusive hotel accommodations in the host hotel
• 3 days fully supported cycling as per itinerary
• Sag vehiclesPolice escort during the rides
Access to Whatsapp group - communication with the organizer
Not Included:
• Round-trip airfare
• Staff gratuities ($100-150 per person)- pooled tips which is shared with the entire team of about 30.
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, additional drinks/entertainment, and incidentals
• Bicycle rental is not included. Bring your own bike with you or rent a bicycle.
• International Travel Medical Health Insurance - compulsory (https://www.cyclejamaica.com/travel-insurance-1)
Boats on the beach in Jamaica
Use the code MARLEYBLONSKY to make sure you get included with my group - and book early! Prices increase each month - but they’ve got payment plans! Seriously - I would love to have some friends on this trip with me! It’s going to be a blast!!
Learn more and book at https://www.cyclejamaica.com/cyclejamaicaclassic - and make sure you use the code MARLEYBLONSKY!! See you there!
Marley's 2023 MidSouth Gravel 100 Recap
Marley Blonsky recaps her 2023 MidSouth Gravel 100 mile ride.
The article below contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using my links, I get a small commission, which helps me continue to do this work. Read more about my use of affiliate links here.
My event season officially kicked off a couple weeks ago, with MidSouth Gravel in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Heading into the weekend I was feeling a bit wary about my capability to ride 100 miles - my knee is still not back to 100% and my lungs are still clearing themselves after a bout of bronchitis.
Celebrating my DFL win at the end of MidSouth
But there is something incredibly special about MidSouth Gravel and spoiler alert, I ended up riding all 100 miles AND taking home the coveted prize of DFL (Dead F*cking Last.) Here’s how it all went down…
I signed up for MidSouth 2023 before my knee surgery (in September 2022.) I figured the 100 mile distance would be a good goal to shoot for - knowing that I could always drop down to either the 50 mile or the 12 mile Inspiration Ride. I did in fact change my distance choice during check-in on Friday, only to be convinced by Event Director Bobby Wintle to for the 100.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Bobby Wintle in person, I strongly recommend taking a trip to District Bicycles in Stillwater, Oklahoma to do so.. Bobby is the heart and soul of the bike community in Stillwater, having built a friendly, supportive and adventurous community around him.
After a rousing Rider Meeting, Bobby had me dang near convinced I could do anything I could put my mind to - so I decided then and there that I’d ride the 100 miler. What could go wrong?
MidSouth is like a family reunion with your cousins that you actually like.
One of my goals for the event season this year is to really take care of my body and to be more intentional with my time during events. I learned the hard way last year that the days before the ride of socializing, spending time at the expo and leading shake down rides was a perfect recipe for emptying my tank before arriving at the start line. To that end, I’ll be doing less shake-down rides, instead hosting community All Bodies on Bikes rides adjacent to the big events. Keep an eye out for more.
I’m proud to say I’m off to a good start this year, limiting my time at the MidSouth Expo while still visiting all my sponsors and friends. I was also lucky enough to be invited to the Skratch Labs house for a delicious dinner on Friday night where I got to enjoy a delicious dinner with some of my cycling heroes, including Meg Fisher and Ellen Noble! This weekend was off to a great start!
Bike, Food and Hydration Preparation
I rode my Cannondale Topstone 4, the same gravel bike I’ve been on since Unbound Gravel in 2022. This year, I’ve swapped the stock drivetrain for a Shimano 1x11 GRX system, capable of handling steeper hills a bit better. Even with the improved climbing gears, I still walked a couple of hills, being extra careful with my knee.
My beautiful bike, taking a much needed rest.
I also worked with accomplished cycling coach and endurance racer Ernie Lechuga on a bike fit, making small modifications to my fit including lowering my handlebars and shifting my saddle position. MidSouth would be the first big test of the bike fit and in retrospect, it was a key factor in my success.
Prior to the race, I also added a few more ounces of sealant to both tires. I’ve been running the Panaracer 700 x 43 Gravel King SK tires for all of my gravel rides and knock-on wood, have had zero issues. I love these tires for just about any surface - chunky gravel, smooth tarmac and sloppy singletrack.
The other modification I made to my bike for this race was installing a side-loading bottle cage on the top tube. With my tiny frame (I ride an XS bike), there isn’t room for 2 full-sized water bottles within the triangle, so instead, I have one bottle in the triangle, and one on the top. Both of these bottles get filled with Skratch Hydration Fuel for electrolytes, while my plain water goes on my back in an Apidura hydration vest.
I have no idea how the math works out, but based on all my training rides, I know that I expend roughly the same amount of calories as feet climbed during a ride, with caloric burn slowing throughout the day. For example, on a typical 30 mile, 3000 ft training ride in Arkansas, I’ll burn between 2800 and 3200 calories, depending on how hard I’m pushing myself. On a 50 mile ride, 3500 foot ride I’ll hit about 5500 calories and last year during Unbound, my Wahoo predicted I burned nearly 8,000 calories.
I have no idea if this is accurate or not, but I know that it means I need to eat all day long. As I’ve increased my training miles, I’ve also dialed in my on-the-bike nutrition a bit more as well.
I like a mix of gels, bars, trail mix, and real food on the bike.
This year for MidSouth, I carried the following
Bag of magic trailmix (peanuts, peanut butter m&m’s, gummy bears, oreos)
4 packs Twisted Spoke CBD Energy Chews (use the code Marley for 10% off your purchase at Twisted Spoke)
3 packs Skratch Energy Chews
2 Skratch Rice Cakes
4 GU Energy Gels
1 Emergency Burrito (bean and cheese from the day before because I forgot to take it out…definitely still edible if it came down to it.)
I ate almost everything, except the burrito and one pack of Skratch Energy Chews. While on the course, I also ate the following delicacies:
2 packs Cheetos
3 Clementines
½ a non-alcoholic beer from Cloudburst Brewing
1 oreo
1 Samoa Girl Scout Cookie
3 pieces of bacon from the Chamois Butt’r Aid Station
1 Cup of Cold Brew Coffee from Aspen Coffee Roasters
½ peanut butter and jelly quesadilla
And I think that’s it.
I have my Wahoo Bolt set up to remind me to drink every 20 minutes and to eat every 100 calories. While it’s annoying to get those reminders, I find it’s actually helpful, as otherwise it’s easy to let yourself get hungry. Some of the best advice I ever heard was from Meg Fisher, who said “If you think you’re sad, you need to eat.”
The Actual Ride
You’d think I’d have a ton of details to share about the ride, covering 100 miles and over 14 hours. In truth though, there really isn’t a ton to share.
The important bits:
-My bike rode beautifully. Zero mechanical issues, zero fit issues.
-The course was absolutely magical. If you’ve never ridden in Oklahoma, I recommend making it happen as soon as you can. Rolling red dirt hills punctuated by frequent cow pastures might sound boring, but it’s not. I was genuinely surprised by the amount of oil and gas equipment out there - seemingly every field had an operational oil derrick.
-The rest stops were amazing and stayed open for me! Thank you to all the folks who waited out in the dark and cold - it was a huge mood booster to come around the corner and see lights when I expected to see nothing!
-The single track was probably my favorite part of the course. Challenging yet rideable for the most part, I took my time in this section. By the time I got there, it was pitch black and I had been riding with the Red Dirt Jeep Club as my escort for the previous 30 miles, enjoying the benefit of their insanely bright lights. I took the opportunity of being away from the jeeps to center myself, taking a few minutes with all my lights off to breathe in the chill night air, to look up at the stars, and to count my blessings. I knew that as soon as I got out of the single track, it was a quick shot to Stilwater, where hundreds of people would be waiting for me at the finish line.
The Finish Line
I didn’t realize I was in last place until Mount Butter, about mile 62. I knew I was going slowly, but until that point, hadn’t seen any of the tell-tale jeeps that follow the last rider. The last riders caught me at Mount Butter, and we proceeded to together for the next 15 miles. As the sun set behind us, we yo-yo’d back and forth until mile 77, when he threw in the towel and quit. Now, it was just me and the Red Dirt Jeep Club, slowly making our way back to Stillwater.
After the guy I was riding with quit, it sunk in that as long as I finished the ride, I would be DFL (Dead F*ing Last.) And honestly, there was never any question of me finishing the ride.
As each mile ticked by during the ride, I let my mind wander to everything that had led me to this moment. I talked to myself - reminding myself out loud everyone who supported me in making this wild life possible - my sponsors, family and friends, the race organizers, and my fans. I wouldn’t be here if not for everyone who has given me a hug, words of encouragement, or a smile when I was feeling down. With this mindset of gratitude, I rode through the OSU campus, continuing to pick up additions to our rolling parade.
A cop car with full lights and sirens jolted me out of my peaceful headspace, alerting the finish line that I was on my way. As I rolled down the finish line chute, I heard Bobby Wintle screaming my name, the crowd going crazy, and all I could do was smile and enjoy the first champagne shower of my life.
Read More
Check out the media coverage from MidSouth:
How to Dress for a Winter Bike Ride
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stop bike riding! I’ve rounded up my favorite winter riding gear, from base layers to gloves and shoes - I’ve got you covered. I’ve done my best to include a variety of sizes and price points too - after all, everyone deserves to be warm!
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using my links, I get a small commission, with zero extra work on your part. To learn more about my use of affiliate links, click here.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stop bike riding! I’ve rounded up my favorite winter riding gear, from base layers to gloves and shoes - I’ve got you covered. I’ve done my best to include a variety of sizes and price points too - after all, everyone deserves to be warm!
Base Layers
Your first layer of clothing is absolutely critical. Base layers should be close fitting and ideally moisture-wicking, so your sweat doesn’t pool and make you colder.
Budget Pick
Lightweight knit with a lot of stretch. Lightly brushed on both sides which gives a soft cozy feel that is smooth against the body. Available in up to size XXL with ample stretch, the XL fits me (and I usually wear a 1x.)
Lightweight with lots of stretch, these leggings work great under riding tights or pants. Available in up to XXL.
Luxury Pick
Ultra-soft merino wool and available in regular and plus sizes (up to 3XL). These also come in a ton of fun colors!
Ethically sourced, super soft. I find myself wearing these all the time - even when I’m not riding. Available in regular and plus sizes, up to 3XL.
Middle Layers - Insulation
Depending on how cold it is, you’re going to want an insulating layer on top of your base layer, but below your outer layer. I love to wear cozy sweatshirts, cute flannels, or on especially cold rides, a specially designed chest warmer.
Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Shirt
With a timeless look and the performance of a technical layer, the women's Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel is sure to become a cold-weather favorite, no matter what's on your weekend itinerary. - available up to 4x
Warm enough to wear alone, or as a layer, the PEARL iZUMi Women’s AmFib jacket is my go-to insulating layer. With three-layer fleece-backed AmFIB softshell fabric that's both windproof and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit - available in sizes up to 2x.
The Warmfront is a chest warmer.
It is a thermal, one-sided bib / base layer to insulate your core from the cold wind.
We designed it with a velcro collar that lets you put it on and take it off quickly.
outer layers
Depending on where you live and if you’ll be riding in the rain, your outer layers should protect you from the elements - that means waterproof, windproof, or both.
Lightweight but still super warm, the ThermoBall Eco Puff jacket comes up to a 3X. I wear a 2x and love this jacket!
Wind and water resistant with a zip-able back pocket, the Machines for Freedom All Weather jacket is a great option. Available in sizes XX-Small through 3XL.
Gloves, socks, shoes & more
Now that you’re dressed, you can’t forget about your fingers, toes and head! Keeping your extremities warm and cozy is crucial to enjoying your time outside.
This highly insulated glove is my go-to glove for those super cold rides. It’s optimized for handlebar comfort and confident bicycle control, with enough sensitivity to hit every shift.
The main body fabric provides wind protection with easy articulation and an Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm makes the glove as grippy as it is durable.
The AmFIB-specific 3D shaped gel pad provides bar comfort without causing unnecessary bulk. Despite its generous insulation, it is still touch-screen compatible.
This glove is perfect for mid-to-chilly days. It’s breathable but water and wind-resistant. Super comfy for both long rides and jaunts around the neighborhood.
The problem with so many cycling caps is that they are too bulky to fit under most helmets. This one reduces that bulk by using the same 18.5-micron Merino/polyester plated construction found in our base layers, so that it will fit under a helmet and wick moisture away as it regulates temperature. A flexible, durable insert in the bill ensures it will survive machine washing.
Classic super-soft merino wool, these socks easily transfer from a hike to the bike and everywhere in between.
Reach for this shoe cover on those cold days when you’re not taking no for an answer. Wind and water repellent, these shoe covers have a velcro closure at the back, making them super easy to get on and off. They also work well with both flat shoes and clip-in shoes.
