Women on Bikes Series: Chyri Jackson
We have two children, Evan (college graduate) and Asia (senior in high school).
I introduced my husband to running in 2008 and in that same year he completed his first half-marathon (The Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon; from that day on he has continued to run in local events.
I consider myself as an advocate for helping
individuals achieve healthy lifestyles. Eventually I stumbled across the group
Black Girls Do Bike on social media and knew I wanted to be a part of the movement.
The group is a national organization with several local
chapters. I am the “Shero” for BGDB Indy (Started June 2014)!
When did you first
start riding a bike?
When I was younger I enjoyed biking and I didn’t pick up riding again until I was an adult. In 2010, I brought my first road bike and started biking with local groups.
When I was younger I enjoyed biking and I didn’t pick up riding again until I was an adult. In 2010, I brought my first road bike and started biking with local groups.
What motivated you to
ride as much as you have over the years?
I think that most of my motivation comes from a driving desire to challenge myself and enjoying the scenery.
I think that most of my motivation comes from a driving desire to challenge myself and enjoying the scenery.
You participate with The Leukemia and Lymphoma
society’s “Team In Training.” Tell us
about that and what you do!
Yes, I just love this organization. My journey with Team In Training began several years ago when I was determine to help find a cure for blood cancers and lymphomas’ all while training for a half-marathon. My first event was a success; I raised way over my fundraising goal and finished my event injury free. I was still not satisfied and felt the needed to do more to help find a cure. So I signed up to complete an Olympic distance triathlon; at the time of making this commitment I did not know how to swim. See my confession! J https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFYdkOUnUzU
Yes, I just love this organization. My journey with Team In Training began several years ago when I was determine to help find a cure for blood cancers and lymphomas’ all while training for a half-marathon. My first event was a success; I raised way over my fundraising goal and finished my event injury free. I was still not satisfied and felt the needed to do more to help find a cure. So I signed up to complete an Olympic distance triathlon; at the time of making this commitment I did not know how to swim. See my confession! J https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFYdkOUnUzU
What would be your favorite athletic event and
why? Bike first! Indy Crit -which is in the heart of
Downtown Indianapolis, IN. The Crit Ride allows cyclists a opportunity to
race the city streets. I also, enjoy basketball, and track & field.
What kind of riding
is your favorite? (paved, gravel, mountain, etc.)
I enjoy long rides on country roads were I can take in the scenery, and not realize how many miles that I have actually biked.
I enjoy long rides on country roads were I can take in the scenery, and not realize how many miles that I have actually biked.
Do you remember how
you felt on your first ride? Where did you go?
My first ride on my road bike was challenging. I say this because I had to get use to changing the gears, but mostly the adjustment to the seat (saddle).
My first ride on my road bike was challenging. I say this because I had to get use to changing the gears, but mostly the adjustment to the seat (saddle).
If you had
nervousness at all, what did you do or think to overcome it?
I must admit, I was a bit nervous when I started cycling, because I had not ridden a bike in several years. And anything new brings on some type of anxiety, but you just have to jump out there and try something new! If you don’t try, how you do know if you will like it?
I must admit, I was a bit nervous when I started cycling, because I had not ridden a bike in several years. And anything new brings on some type of anxiety, but you just have to jump out there and try something new! If you don’t try, how you do know if you will like it?
Do you use clipless
pedals? If yes, what are some tips/suggestions for beginners that you would
share? If no, are you thinking of trying it out at all?
Yes, I do wear clips. The brand of shoe that I wear is Giro brand, and the clips are a shimano brand. I do not think it is necessary for beginners to go and purchase clip. For the most part determine your needs. ie.. Is this a sport that I want to make an investment in buying helpful accessories? How long do I plan on participating in cycling? Am I cycling for fun or competitively?
Yes, I do wear clips. The brand of shoe that I wear is Giro brand, and the clips are a shimano brand. I do not think it is necessary for beginners to go and purchase clip. For the most part determine your needs. ie.. Is this a sport that I want to make an investment in buying helpful accessories? How long do I plan on participating in cycling? Am I cycling for fun or competitively?
Before you determine you want clips; research different
brands, and consult with the professionals at your local bike shop. When I
first started wearing clips I practiced in the grass, because you WILL FALL
until you get use to clipping in and out of the attachment.
I wear clips; because they are light in weight, help with
climbing hills, and for speed.
Have you had a situation or accident that was
challenging on a physical/emotional level? If so, how did you recover on a
physical/mental/emotional level?
I have never had a major accident, thank you heavenly father. But… I was hardheaded and thought I could cycle without stretching. This was a bad habit that I had that was hard to break, until I experience sciatic pain. The pain was excruciating, and I stopped exercising for about three months. I became depressed and overweight. Then I soon recovered with help from physical therapist. They advised me of how to stretch. A lesson was learned! I stretch before and after cycling.
I have never had a major accident, thank you heavenly father. But… I was hardheaded and thought I could cycle without stretching. This was a bad habit that I had that was hard to break, until I experience sciatic pain. The pain was excruciating, and I stopped exercising for about three months. I became depressed and overweight. Then I soon recovered with help from physical therapist. They advised me of how to stretch. A lesson was learned! I stretch before and after cycling.
What do you love
about riding your bike?
What’s not to love?
What’s not to love?
First let me say, I love my bike! I call my bike the “The
Stress Reliever”. I enjoy riding my
bike, because I literally feel free from everyday stress and humdrum. I capture the scenery and absorb the elements
of the weather.
Tell us about your bike(s), what they are like
and why did you choose them?
I have a specialized Dolce that is metallic, red, and white. I selected this bike because it is lightweight with an aluminum frame. It by far is not the lightest on the market, but I can lift the bike off the ground with one hand, it is easy to transport, and economical.
I have a specialized Dolce that is metallic, red, and white. I selected this bike because it is lightweight with an aluminum frame. It by far is not the lightest on the market, but I can lift the bike off the ground with one hand, it is easy to transport, and economical.
What clothing/bike
accessories do you love? What would you recommend to your friends?
I have more cycling/ exercise clothing than work attire. I have a variety of different brands and buy what is on sale. I live in the Midwest and have to make sure I have clothing for all seasons. Some items in my collection include light weight cycling jackets, gloves, jerseys, cycling shorts, and headbands. Although, I buy different brands I try to stick to a brand that works best for me. All of my clothing is dri-fit, which absorbs the sweat. I make sure my undergarments fit properly to prevent skin chafing.
I have more cycling/ exercise clothing than work attire. I have a variety of different brands and buy what is on sale. I live in the Midwest and have to make sure I have clothing for all seasons. Some items in my collection include light weight cycling jackets, gloves, jerseys, cycling shorts, and headbands. Although, I buy different brands I try to stick to a brand that works best for me. All of my clothing is dri-fit, which absorbs the sweat. I make sure my undergarments fit properly to prevent skin chafing.
When I am cycling I wear: short or long sleeve jersey,
padded cycling shorts (A MUST), cycling gloves -full or half fingers depending
on the weather, and smart wool socks. My favorite brand is Bontrager!
When I am recommending cycling clothes to individuals
comfort is the key.
You became involved
with BGDB- tell us about what you do!
I became acquainted with BGDB at the beginning of 2014, and reached out to the founder Monica Garrison. We discussed the need for the movement in my area and I became the “Shero” for BGDB Indianapolis, IN spring of 2014. As far as my role with the organization as “Shero” I motivate and encourage the group by creating bike challenges. I facility, map, and lead all group rides with an emphasis of having fun!
I became acquainted with BGDB at the beginning of 2014, and reached out to the founder Monica Garrison. We discussed the need for the movement in my area and I became the “Shero” for BGDB Indianapolis, IN spring of 2014. As far as my role with the organization as “Shero” I motivate and encourage the group by creating bike challenges. I facility, map, and lead all group rides with an emphasis of having fun!
Why is BGDB such a
great group to be a part of?
I am a woman of color and I am concerned about the health of minority women and their lack of exercise. I am not a “gym rat”, but I do exercise. I think BGDB is an excellent avenue to get minority women moving, and on the right track to live healthy happier lives.
I am a woman of color and I am concerned about the health of minority women and their lack of exercise. I am not a “gym rat”, but I do exercise. I think BGDB is an excellent avenue to get minority women moving, and on the right track to live healthy happier lives.
What would you like
people to know about your group in particular? How can they find you or become
involved?
I want people to know that all skill sets are welcome to join the group. The group is like a pep rally for girls on bikes! Our interest is growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. (The group is not exclusive to women of color)
I want people to know that all skill sets are welcome to join the group. The group is like a pep rally for girls on bikes! Our interest is growing and supporting a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. (The group is not exclusive to women of color)
One way people can find the group is by visiting www.blackgirlsdobike.com and finding a local chapter in your area. Most
of the local chapters can also be found on Facebook. I am one of the “Shero” in
the Midwest, and mentor the Indianapolis, Indiana group. The group can be found
on Facebook at: Black Girls Do Bike INDY or BGDBINDY@gmail.com
What do you feel
deters women from getting involved with cycling?
There are several reasons that may discourage women to start cycling:
Fear of trying something new
The expense involved
Weight concerns
Skill set
HAIR
There are several reasons that may discourage women to start cycling:
Fear of trying something new
The expense involved
Weight concerns
Skill set
HAIR
What do you feel
could happen to make changes and/or encourage more women to ride?In my opinion it is groups like Black Girls Do Bike that encourages women to get out and ride.
What inspires you to
encourage women to ride?
I am inspired by encouraging women to ride because I know part of the process to becoming healthier is changing your lifestyle, which includes exercising and bike riding is a great introductory exercise.
I am inspired by encouraging women to ride because I know part of the process to becoming healthier is changing your lifestyle, which includes exercising and bike riding is a great introductory exercise.
Tell us a random fact
about yourself!
When I was a teenager I participated in a Barbie doll contest and won!
When I was a teenager I participated in a Barbie doll contest and won!
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