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REI Presents: Do Better Together

Ayesha McGowan is a young Black woman from New Jersey who is determined to become the first female African-American pro road cyclist. She won her first state championship in her third race and quickly noticed that she was one of the very few females of African-American descent on the scene. In fact, she discovered that there had not been a single African-American pro road cyclist, ever. She has taken it upon herself to become the first.

Having tested herself against top talent at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, the North Star Gran Prix, and several post Tour de France criteriums in the Netherlands and Belgium, her next goal is to find a team where she can grow as both a teammate and an individual.

Ayesha runs the website, A Quick Brown Fox, which seeks to not only document her journey but also to bring to light and celebrate other budding cyclists of color, creating representation in cycling that will encourage and inspire other African-American women and youth to follow their dreams—whatever they may be. She is currently based in Decatur, Georgia.

Read more: Ayesha McGowan Is Having Her Best Season Yet 

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