The Ovarian Psycos Cycles began in 2010 to promote friendships, healthy exercise habits, and leadership skills among womxn* of color. We are headquartered in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, and host an annual, 30-mile Clitoral Mass ride around Los Angeles County to combat the shame that is often associated with female sexuality and protest the gentrification that is happening in our neighborhoods. We also lead rides each month during the full moon (called Luna Rides) to provide a safe environment for gender-nonconforming, two-spirited, cis-, trans-, and queer womxn to be on their bikes after dark. No rider is left behind—if someone gets a flat the whole group will stop to fix it.

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Most rides include a workshop or discussion on topics such as street harassment and bike safety. Riders share personal stories, reminding us that we all face similar obstacles and forms of oppression as womxn and people of color. We have learned how depression and addiction are rampant in our communities. Many of us come from homes in which a “respectable lady” does not go bike riding at night. But we encourage each other to continue, because we have to: For some of us, the bike is our only reliable form of transportation.

We also ride for the joy of it! There is nothing like riding down a steep hill with people you trust. Being part of a group has helped our members cope with personal traumas, build self-esteem, and discover new career paths. We have seen extremely shy cyclists bloom into outspoken advocates. OPC has allowed us to grow not only as cyclists, but also as friends, sisters, allies, and community members, and we dare cyclists everywhere to ride their bikes in order to heal, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

*This spelling is a way of reclaiming the word from a patriarchal and cis-centric society.

Evelyn Martinez and Joan Zamora, members since 2012 and 2013

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