Ride for Racial Justice is partnering with
SBT GRVL again to offer BIPOC ambassadors an opportunity to attend the SBT GRVL Gravel Race in 2024!
Program Highlights
Thank you for applying for your chance to be part of the BIPOC Ambassador Program to participate in the 2024 SBT GRVL gravel bike race! Ride for Racial Justice exists to ensure access to resources, education, and community for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) cyclists and to dismantle systemic racism so that EVERYONE can feel safe, free, and empowered to ride a bicycle. Ride for Racial Justice (RFRJ) is pleased to offer this extraordinary opportunity at one of the pillars of gravel racing globally.
The application will only be open in early December.
Applicant Criteria:
Black, Indigenous or POC who is age 21+ at time of application submission
Active cyclist
Active in your community as a steward (bike community or generally)
A passion for cycling and a desire to change the sport of cycling towards greater diversity, equity and representation
As part of the selection process please SUBMIT A VIDEO of yourself responding to the numbered questions. You do not have to submit your answers in writing, but you may submit your answers in writing along with the video if you choose. Please keep your video to 2 minutes in length or less.
If you have any questions or issues with the form please email us at admin@rideforracialjustice.org
If selected, participants will receive financial assistance with:
Paid entry to SBT GRVL, choice of distance with Board approval
Training plans and coaching support leading up to the race through APEX Coaching
Travel reimbursement to/from Steamboat up to $500 with valid receipts. If less is spent on travel, the differences are not payable in cash. Note: Travel is defined as round-trip flight cost and baggage costs (1 piece of luggage if not included in fare and your bicycle). Transportation to/from your home to your airport is solely the responsibility of the ambassador.
Shuttle (with RFRJ cohort) to/from Denver International Airport to RFRJ Housing in Steamboat
Paid RFRJ Group Housing (Check In Thursday Evening August 15th and Check Out Early Monday August 19th)
Paid Daily Food Stipend
RFRJ Kit (jersey, bib shorts, and socks)
****RFRJ will reimburse athletes at the completion of the SBT GRVL event****
Introducing Our 2024 Team:
Alejandra Sullivan
Alejandra Sullivan (she/her) was born and raised in the beautiful and colorful state of Colorado, where she currently works as a higher ed professional in the cute little town of Fort Collins. In Alejandra’s 8 years of experience, she works to address inequities within education by centering the holistic growth of all students she works with.
She started riding her bike more during the pandemic just to explore the trails of Fort Collins. This exploration led to Alejandra completing her first gravel ride at the FocoFondo on her strong and mighty commuter bike. Since then, she has completed 4 different gravel rides where she has literally gone the distance to increase her strength and confidence. She is a part of Queer Plus Bikes in Fort Collins and enjoys the community, laughs, and rides.
When she isn't riding, she loves spending time with her partner, 2 orange tabbys and a miniature dachshund.
Allison Pao
Allison Pao (she/her) is a 25-year-old Chinese-American who grew up in New York City, Nashville, and Switzerland. She lived in Boston for seven years, where she completed her undergraduate degree and Master’s of Education degrees at Harvard, worked as a high school social studies teacher, and documented patient visits as a scribe in an emergency room. She currently lives in Philadelphia, where she is finishing pre-medical course requirements with plans of applying to medical school.
Although biking has been her main mode of transportation for many years, she began road and gravel cycling in 2022 as a way to get outside and explore. She quickly fell in love with the feelings of freedom, joy, and peace that come with riding her bike. As a bike commuter, road and gravel cyclist, and adventure enthusiast, she truly believes that biking can be a transformative tool for positive change in our communities. She has witnessed firsthand how biking can bring people together, spark joy, and push riders to be better versions of themselves. She is honored and excited to join this year’s Ride for Racial Justice team!
April Katz
April Katz (she/her) is a happy mom & dog owner. She started the AIROW project in 2022. A nonprofit 501(3)(c) in Bellingham, WA. She is interested in helping people reach their health goals and helping local individuals with disabilities enjoy more access to recreation. April is an outdoor enthusiast and avid bike rider who engages in numerous events focusing on breaking barriers to access, participation, and representation. When not breaking barriers. She is a BICP aMTB level 1 coach.
Betty Cruz
Originally from Miami, Florida, Betty Cruz (she/her) is the daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. Betty has called Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home for more than a decade and, in January 2020, she assumed the role of President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit that envisions a more globally minded and globally connected world that is equitable and just for all. One of the ways the Council brings Pittsburghers together is through free bike rides that include global stop-talks. This approach has twice led to their selection as a Bike Share Pittsburgh Community Ambassador. While community rides are a signature program that the Council began hosting in 2021, it was only in 2018 that Betty dusted off her mountain bike and began putting some miles on it – she hasn’t looked back since.
Outside of the work she leads today, Betty has experience in community outreach, communications, partnership-building, and program management – spanning over 20 years. She started her own social enterprise, developed citywide initiatives for Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto, managed major accounts for a national nonprofit dedicated to building playgrounds, and supported public relations for global brands.
Betty now lives in a rural town in the Laurel Highlands, southeast of Pittsburgh, a move she made to be closer to some of her favorite nature spots like Ohiopyle State Park and the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). Betty’s toughest and most beautiful cycling memories include riding the GAP trail from Pittsburgh to DC in October 2020 and participating in her first gravel race in 2023 at Grounded Nebraska. When she’s not spending time with beloved humans or hiking with her sweet rescue dogs, Celia and Benny Moré, Betty finds joy and liberation in riding her bike and deepening her mindfulness meditation practice on and off the cushion.
Bongani Mbigi
Bongani Mbigi(he/him), originally from South Africa with Zimbabwean heritage, has spent the majority of his life in the Texas suburbs of Fort Worth. Graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Mathematics, he's always had a passion for cycling throughout his youth, cycling to and from school, and through college, where you would often find Bongani cruising through downtown on his trusty single speed. However, it wasn't until 2020 that he took his passion for cycling to the next level, purchasing a road bike and truly ventured into the exhilarating world of cycling.
Aiming to improve his distance and speed, his true passion lies in conquering the rugged gravel roads that wind through the outskirts of Austin's Hill Country. He's an active member of BBBATX, a BIPOC cycling group in Austin, relishing the camaraderie and shared experiences of the road. Off the saddle, Bongani channels his energy into promoting diversity and equality as the co-chair of the black ERG at his workplace. He's deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces for people of color, a cause that's as close to his heart as cycling itself.
Camron Emmanuel
Camron Emmanuel (he/him) is married to Yasmin Emmanuel. They have two wonderful children; Dequan (23) and Magena (17). He was born in St Lucia and lived in the USVI. Camron enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001 where he served in Aviation until he transitioned in 2021, having attained the rank of First Sergeant/Aviation Maintenance Senior Sergeant. Camron’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a minor in Management.
He currently works as an Aerospace Project Engineer with a company in the Denver area. Camron enjoys spending time with his family. When he’s not on his bike riding around the mountains, he enjoys fishing and traveling.
Denise Aquino
Denise Aquino (she/her) is the gay daughter of Philippine immigrants. Born and raised in NY, she now lives in Tucson, AZ, where she proudly works at El Grupo Youth Cycling. For 10+ years, she was in the sport-based youth development part of the rowing world, working mostly with middle schoolers and youth with disabilities. Similar to RFRJ, she and her podcast partner organize all-BIPOC boat lineups for the world’s largest rowing regatta. All of her work is grounded in socio-economic accessibility and racial equity, eliminating financial barriers to the transformative power of sport.
New to cycling, she heard “she doesn’t look like a cyclist.” As a rationale response, she’s taking up more space, entering more races, and is honored to represent RFRJ as an Ambassador in 2024 SBT GRVL.
Derick Gaspard - Alumni Mentor 2021
Derick Gaspard (he/him) is a father first but dons many hats. He was born and raised in the Deep South of New Orleans, Louisiana and now calls Lincoln, Nebraska home.
Derick’s previous lifestyle led to incarceration on multiple occasions, most recently in 2014 when he was convicted and sentenced to 6 to 10 years in prison for marijuana and weapons violations. It was during this time that he found the freedom of 2 wheels. Upon release and since 2021, Derrick has competed in events such as SBT GRVL (144 mile Black Course), Gravel Worlds (151 miles), FoCo Fondo (107 miles), Grounded Nebraska (60 miles), MidSouth (50 miles) and the Rule of Three (50 miles). He placed 3rd overall this year at the inaugural Winter Endurance event in the Men’s category.
Outside of competing, Derick’s primary focus has been advocating for more diversity and inclusion in the sport, as well as promoting cycling infrastructure locally. Currently, he serves on the board for “ROAM Nebraska” and serves as an Advisory Board Member for Grounded Nebraska. He has worked closely with the Lancaster Composite Mountain Bike team to get 8 BIPOC kids on FREE mountain bikes, courtesy of the TREK Pathfinder scholarship which also covered their team fees for the year. He has launched 2 different cycling kit campaigns in conjunction with my vegan restaurant, where proceeds from the sales directly benefit local nonprofits: Black Leaders Movement and The Malone Center.
One of his biggest achievements was being selected as part of the inaugural group of 25 riders from around the world for the 2021 Ride for Racial Justice Team. As an alumnus, Derick reaches out to new members and tries to break the ice for those who may be new to the sport.
Harry Chung
Harry Chung (he/him) is a first-generation Korean American, born in Korea, and raised in Chicago, with stints living in Maine and Arizona, before settling in Seattle. His journey into cycling began as a tribute to his father's encouragement, yet he faced challenges in finding a supportive community where he felt comfortable being different racially and culturally. However, everything changed when Harry discovered the Asian Bike Club, now called Ampersand Bike Club (&BC). Within the &BC community, Harry found solace, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging, proudly wearing his Korean flag jersey during rides and events.
Currently residing in Seattle with his two dogs, two cats, and a supportive wife, Harry finds joy, confidence, and a profound connection with the natural world through riding. He embraces a diverse range of cycling disciplines, from gravel to road biking, and delights in exploring the scenic routes of Seattle and beyond. Inspired by his experiences, Harry is committed to fostering inclusivity and representation within the cycling community. With a daughter on the way, Harry looks forward to sharing his rich cultural heritage and passion for cycling, instilling in her a love for both as she grows.
As a member of the Ride for Racial Justice (RFRJ) team at the 2024 SBT GRVL event, Harry hopes to amplify BIPOC voices, promote diversity, and inspire others to embrace their cultural identities through cycling. Harry's goal for the year is to complete the 103-mile Blue Course at SBT GRVL, representing not just himself, but the resilience and diversity of BIPOC cyclists everywhere.
Jessica Brunson - Alumni Mentor 2021
Jessica Brunson (she/her) has been gravel biking for almost a decade and has learned to appreciate the love of the view and the community. The aim of cycling was at first to just get from A to B. Commuting, helping people, and enjoying was and continues to be the intention of getting outside and opening up avenues to new opportunities. As a transit infrastructure designer and policy coordinator, reaching out to communities and networking is her priority to see the enjoyment and progress of potential in life in various ways and genuine purpose. Cycling has been a great way to see more, enjoy adventure, and live without permission.
Joel Oubre
Joel Oubre (he/him) grew up in the Bay Area, where access to cultural centers like Oakland and San Francisco shaped his understanding of the importance of diversity, inclusivity, culture, accessibility and community. He attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in Business Economics with a minor in Education. After a brief stint as an educator, Joel now works as a sales leader for Salesforce, where he also promotes DEI initiatives, mentorship, and philanthropy.
Raised in a family that prioritized spending time in nature, Joel quickly developed a love for cycling. Over the years, it has become a means of expression, community, adventure, health, and self-exploration. Since moving to Denver in 2019, Joel has completed the Triple Bypass, two Half Ironmans, and an Olympic Triathlon. When he’s not out riding, you can find Joel on the soccer pitch, hiking trails with his dog Leeroy, traveling, or sharing a great meal with friends. He is honored and excited to join the RFRJ team at Steamboat GRVL this year and hopes you will join him in continuing to foster an inclusive and diverse world.
Juan Ocampo - Alumni Mentor 2021
Juan Ocampo (he/him) was an ambassador for the 2021 RFRJ cohort, and is honored and excited to be back as a mentor this year! Being part of RFRJ gave him the confidence to consider himself a cyclist, and has had many on-the-bike adventures since. Juan is looking forward to going back to Steamboat Springs this year.
Junior Montoya - Alumni Mentor 2022
Junior Montoya (he/him) is a cyclist living in Springfield, VA. Junior is an alumni of Ride For Racial Justice and is returning this year as a mentor for the 2024 class. He enjoys long days on the gravel roads in his home state of Virginia and loves finding new places to eat along his routes. This year Junior is a team captain of Melanin Base Miles gravel cycling team. The team is made up of BIPOC cyclists who compete in gravel races and events all over the US. Junior is looking forward to reacquainting himself with the champagne gravel of SBT GRVL and getting to know this year's ambassadors.
Justine Kavle
Justine Kavle (she/her) is a Chinese Indian first-generation American living in Washington D.C. As a public health nutritionist, Justine works to combat hunger and food security globally, especially in underserved communities across sub-Saharan Africa. Her life’s journey has centered on justice and equity, as she is dedicated to mentoring and cultivating the next generation of BIPOC public health nutritionists. Justine is also the founder of a grassroots bicycle education project, Pioneer Pedalers, that aims to equip BIPOC D.C. youth with practical skills and tools for biking, with linkages to cycling’s impact on health and the environment.
In 2018, Justine started cycling longer distances, as a long-time bike commuter. Through cycling, Justine has met like-minded folks and friends which has helped her grow as a cyclist - which has allowed greater freedom and joy on the bike. She was also a scholarship recipient through Melanin Base Miles, which provided greater exposure to gravel cycling in a community with BIPOC cyclists. While training with the Ride for Racial Justice team, she's excited to bring greater representation to the sport of cycling and gain new skills and experiences to bring back to the D.C. community.
Kai Addae
Kai Addae (they/them) is originally from the Pacific Northwest but is proud to have made Connecticut their home. They got involved in the local biking community through New Haven Bike Party and volunteering at their local bike co-op. Since then, they’ve grown into an avid ride coordinator, bike mechanic-teacher, route planner, and cheerleader for any and all types of biking in New Haven and beyond. They are the founder of the RAR New Haven Chapter, a Chapter Manager for the RAR Chapter Program, and were previously a member of the Wild Composite gender-expansive racing team. Kai loves riding, learning and teaching, and hopes to motivate others like them to explore and get in touch with their bodies and nature via the magic of riding and fixing bikes with friends.
Karen Armour
Karen Armour (she/her) is a Midwest native who currently resides in the Garden State. Her cycling journey began when she purchased her first MTB in 2004. Getting out for a ride on dirt roads and trails was a great way to destress and explore nature. Continuing to ride, Karen later transitioned into road cycling in order to complete triathlons. During this time, she began riding with cycling groups and joined a local chapter of Black Girls Do Bike (Denver). It was there she learned about proper group riding and basic bicycle maintenance. Both skills have been helpful as she serves as the current Shero for the Black Girls Do Bike Southern NJ chapter. In this role, Karen has worked to create a welcoming environment for riders, led group rides, and tapped into local cycling advocacy efforts. Encouraging and educating new riders is an exciting way for her to give back to the cycling community.
As an East Coast transplant, riding in new areas has taught Karen more about the mid-Atlantic region. She never knew New Jersey had the most diners in the world, lol! Since living here, she has become even more smitten with gravel riding. These rides have challenged her, and brought her joy, peace, and mental clarity. Karen’s most recent rides were the Spellbound Century and her first gravel grinder, the NJ Gravel Grinder Part Deux. This year, she looks forward to completing SBT GRVL with my RFRJ teammates, and working toward a new personal best (PB) at the Philadelphia Women’s Triathlon. In my non-cycling life, she is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who works with child and adult food and nutrition programs. When Karen is not at work, she loves to travel (domestically and internationally), build LEGO sets, run/swim/cycle, and read all types of books.
Kimerie Swift
Kimerie Swift (she/her) is excited for the opportunity to attend SBT GRVL as a part of the 2024 RFRJ Ambassador Team. Based out of Atlanta, GA and already loving to ride, her true passion for bike life began in the Spring of 2021. Kimerie’s intro into the community started with frequent commuter rides and over time, created a sense of belonging. She has enjoyed rolling at community and social rides, pelotons, tours, an occasional alley cat, and in the velodrome. In preparation for SBT GRVL, she is excited to further dedicate time off-road, acclimating to maneuvering through gravel, single track, and obstacles at long distances.
In Atlanta, they have a thriving Black led cycling community in the streets. Kimerie has anticipated that over time we can see the same level of diverse representation come to parity off-road, and for all segments of cycling to continue to grow in this way. Aside from her own enjoyment, she’s showing up with hopes to inspire and help to grow more Black, female representation and participation for off-roading adventures such as this.
Kimerie appreciates those who selected her for this opportunity and her community that continues to lift her up and support her journey as an ever evolving human and cyclist. Look forward to seeing you all in August!!
Pratik Prajapati - Alumni Mentor 2023
Pratik Prajapati (he/him) is a first-generation Indian American raised in rural KY and is currently located in Madison, WI. He started cycling while attending college at Indiana University where riding and racing bikes is serious business. He struggled to find a group where he felt welcomed and comfortable as a BIPOC rider. 20 years later, he still shows up to races, events, and local group rides as one of a few, if not the only, BIPOC rider.
As a cyclist, Pratik finds that riding provides him endless joy, increased confidence, and a deep connection with the natural world. He enjoys a wide variety of riding including gravel, road, mountain biking, and bikepacking. Last year, he started racing and completed several gravel and cyclocross events. Most weekends, you can find him riding around town frequenting local coffee and bike shops.
His vision is to create a place for people like him, including his two children, to be free from any barriers to experience the health, happiness, and friendship a bike can provide. Pratik is the founder of the BIPOC Cycling Club Madison where he leads weekly community rides for fellow BIPOC Cyclists in his community.
Pratik was a member of 2023 RFRJ BIPOC Ambassador Program and completed the Blue Course at SBT GRVL. For 2024, he is proud to be serving as a mentor for the 2024 RFRJ Ambassadors and will be helping the athletes prepare for the event.
Shéba Michel
Shéba Michel (she/her) is representing Brooklyn, NY. She is a teacher, mother, & all-around caregiver. In her free time, she loves to travel & get out on her bike to see her city in a new way.
Tavaghn Monts
Tavaghn Monts (he/him) was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised on a farm in Fort White, Florida. He spent his childhood years riding his beloved green spray-painted bike down those dusty dirt roads. That moment of freedom on two wheels is a feeling he thrives on making accessible for all, especially the underserved youth. He genuinely believes many of our youth don’t lack talents or gifts but access and resources. He loves serving the youth because they empower him daily to be his best version.
Tavaghn is a proud husband and father who serves as a Clemson University Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management Department staff member and is the Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs (MBC). MBC is a group mentoring initiative for middle school and high school students in Greenville, South Carolina, with a mission to transform the lives of young people through a comprehensive youth development program using the cycling platform to foster and sustain positive mentoring and peer relationships. Tavaghn is also the Assistant Director of Community Collaboration for the REYSE Collaboratory. The Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory at Clemson University is an interdisciplinary group of researchers and community scholars conducting research and providing programming to improve the lives of racial and ethnic youth living in diverse communities.
His passion and tenacious drive to remind everyone that you don’t need permission to be great, coupled with his profession, brought him right back to those two wheels of freedom and tranquility while pushing physical and mental boundaries for self-improvement in spaces where equity for all is the minority. Tavaghn is humbled and honored to serve with Ride for Racial Justice!
Support Our 2024 Team at SBT GRVL!
Get all the race details for SBT GRVL in Steamboat Springs.
Check Out Our Teams from Recent Years