The Group Chat: She feels the need…

From the pandemic-induced Peloton boom to your Insta feed suddenly being overtaken by post-triathlon pics (IYKYK), cycling has been surging for years. Though the space is traditionally male-dominated, more and more women are getting in on the sport and its associated culture.

• Look no further than the epitome of elite racing: the Tour de France Femmes, which hit the road for just the fourth time ever yesterday. In honor of the week-long race beginning (and its men’s counterpart finishing today), we’re chatting about the sport’s Euro-chic vibe, feminist history, and beyond. Helmets on, let’s ride.

You only need to take a spin class at your local gym to see that women dominate indoor cycling. But thanks to shifting habits during COVID, gals are increasingly breaking into the boys’ club of outdoor cycling.

• Take the GIST’s co-founder, Jacie deHoop, for example. deHoop started road cycling during the pandemic and is now low-key obsessed — she even completed (half of) a stage of the Tour de France last year. We chatted with her about how the sport is exploding and why it’s particularly great for women.

First off, deHoop noted the obvious fitness benefits. You can hit your cardio and lower body workouts in one ride, and it’s easier on your joints than running. In fact, many former runners (and USWNT stars) flock to cycling for its low impact.

• But it’s not just great for your physical health — cycling can also boost your social health. According to Strava, women feel most comfortable riding in groups with other women. Chances are, there’s a female cyclist near you looking for a riding buddy.

Cycling also has a long history in women’s empowerment. From suffragettes to today’s fight for equality on the pro scene to the push for body positivity in the community, cycling’s story is a feminist one. deHoop spoke about the freedom and independence she feels while biking, a sentiment shared by women for nearly 150 years.

• It’s also a great, environmentally friendly way to spend time outside exploring your city, your next vacation spot…or even the French Alps. Mais oui, s’il vous plaît.

One majorly underrated part of cycling: the vibes. Think long rides capped with cups of coffee outside a café, outfits (aka kit) that are just as cute as they are functional, and a new feeling of connection with your community. Often, cyclists even eat pastries while riding for quick fuel — our dream workout.

Ready to ride? Whether you’re into road racing, mountain biking, or cruising to work, deHoop says that acquiring all the necessary gear can make getting started the hardest and most expensive part. Here are some hot tips to help you save:

🤑 New bikes can go for thousands of dollars, but used ones from The Pro’s Closet or Facebook Marketplace are easy to find and way more affordable.

🧘 Resist the urge to go wild and overload on cute kit and high-tech gear, because you don’t need that much to begin. A helmet is a must, and if you ride far enough, so are padded chamois shorts. The rest is optional.

👟 If clipping in (aka using the cycling shoes that lock into the pedals) is intimidating, just don’t. Start off in running shoes, and switch when you feel comfortable. Confidence is the name of the game.