Inspiring Stories
What started with a search for a cycling group became a life changing result for Leslie González.
Leslie fell in love with Latinas en Bici after seeing their impact and desire to serve the Latino community. She has been a member and volunteer with them for three years.
“By being a member, I have seen the impact they have on the community. It’s amazing how many lives they have touched,” Leslie says.
Leslie is one of the many lives Latinas en Bici has changed.
There is a lack of awareness about mental health in the Latino community, which often leads to prolonged suffering in silence. Leslie has dealt with depression, but cycling has helped her learn how to take care of her mental health.
“It’s encouraging being with women who are empowering and supporting you when you feel like giving up,” Leslie says. “It (Latinas en Bici) has allowed me to be healthier mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
Cycling has been an outlet for her ever since, and through Latinas en Bici, Leslie was able to find a safe space and meet people like her.
“It’s okay to deal with these things (mental health issues)... there are people out there to help you,” she says. “Cycling can be intimidating, but Latinas en Bici doesn’t make it like that. They are welcoming, supporting, encouraging, and they are willing to teach you. It’s really a judgement-free zone, and anyone of any level is welcome.”
Leslie González
When San Juana Guzmán first got involved with Latinas en Bici she never could have imagined it would become such an important part of her life, let alone that a year later she’d be able to ride a bike for 32 miles.
San Juana is like many wives and mothers who, over the years, have invested all they have into the well being of their families. She has three children, one of which, Roman, has special needs which makes carving out time for herself even more difficult.
“With the care of my son and family as my primary concern I came to realize that I have not made space and time for myself,” San Juana says. “I have ignored my health for a long time.”
When she met Olivia and was invited to join the Latinas en Bici group, she didn’t even have a bike. Of course, Olivia’s response was: Don’t worry, I’ll get you one.
San Juana went on her first ride a little reluctantly. She immediately felt as if she was doing something wrong. Conflicted as to whether it was ok for her to make time for herself. Ultimately she realized that when she took care of herself she was able to be better for her family.
“We [moms] deserve to take time for ourselves. When we prioritize care for ourselves we ultimately can serve our families and communities better.”
Not only has Latinas en Bici given San Juana a healthy outlet and a way for her to take better care of herself physically, mentally, and emotionally but, almost as importantly, it’s given her a community of women who support one another. It’s a sisterhood that cheers each other on and that has encouraged San Juana to ride her first 10 miles. Then her first 15. And now she’s preparing to ride in the Square 2 Square Bike Ride - 32 miles!
The positive impact Latinas en Bici has had on San Juana not only affects her, it affects her whole family. She feels happier and transmits that energy into her role as a wife and mother.
“This has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Going out to ride with women who look like me and make me feel like I belong is so beneficial. The freedom, the empowerment, and the joy that I feel when I ride my bike is priceless.”
Monica González
San Juana and her family.
San Juana is putting all her enthusiasm to cycle! She is such a great example!
Vero