Saturday’s spring-like temperatures and light rain didn’t deter cyclists and hikers who gathered to honor the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Movement became celebration during this annual event, hosted by International Women’s Day Together We Ride at Trek Highland Park.
Dawn Piech, Chicago-area physical therapist and founder of the Facebook group International Women’s Day – Together We Ride, says that, now in its 7th year, women across Illinois and around the world ride their bikes in honor of International Women’s Day, March 8th, in a show of solidarity for women everywhere.
While the heart of the movement is local and community-driven, it has expanded through an active Facebook group where women organize neighborhood rides, share photos and stories from around the globe, and stay connected year-round.
“Riders from other states and countries now participate and post their experiences, so what began as a Midwest tradition is becoming an international community,” Piech said.
Highland Park resident and cyclist, Barb Klinner, participated in Saturday’s Women’s Day ride.
“I’m here because this event combines two of my favorite passions, cycling and activism,” Klinner said.
“Stepping off from the Trek bicycle store at 1925 Skokie Valley Road at 10 a.m., this year’s route traversed 19.3 miles of local paved bike trails and quiet neighborhood streets, with a stop at Forest Park Beach and past Highwood’s many murals, before returning to Trek for a post-ride celebration,” Sheri Rosenbaum, Trek Highland Park’s Women’s Advocate and event organizer, said.
“Cycling is symbolic for forward movement and positivity, and Saturday’s program provided an active way for women to show up for one another,” Rosenbaum added.
All were welcome – some rode bikes, others hiked, and after the ride, the celebration continued at Trek, with a Pilates class, pizza, and a raffle.
M.J. Drouganis of Des Plaines also took part.
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“I like being part of the International Women’s Day movement through cycling, especially when cycling has become so male-dominated; it’s important for women to get out and ride,” Drouganis said.
Piech says, it’s not about how far you go or how fast you are.
“You can ride your bike around the block, hop on an exercise bike at home, or go for miles with friends — It’s about getting active and supporting women together,” Piech said.
Piech says last year Together We Ride rallied a total of 3,750 local, national, and international participants; the hope is that they will reach 4,500 this year.
In addition to Saturday’s event, Together We Ride offers additional scheduled ride events throughout Chicagoland from March 8 through March 11.
Each year, International Women’s Day – Together We Ride raises funds for World Bicycle Relief, a nonprofit that equips women, students and communities with bicycles to improve access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity.
KC Speich, Trek Highland Park’s owner and general manager, said their shop aims to create a safe, comfortable space for women to pursue cycling. Their official Facebook group, Trek Bicycle Store of Highland Park Women’s Group, communicates upcoming events, clinics, and provides practical information about the sport.
To keep up with the movement’s growth, Piech launched an official nonprofit in 2021 called Inspyrd Movement, with a mission to inspire individuals to elevate diversity, equity, and inclusion through movement.
“At its core, the event is a show of solidarity for women everywhere — it’s about building confidence, fostering encouragement across generations and geographies, and reminding women, no matter where they are, they don’t ride alone,” Piech said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.