Los Angeles

RoadRunners

We Ride Every Other Wednesday Morning

Pump Up, Lace Up... Mount Up!

Wednesday August 7th @ 8:00am

Next Group Ride Is In...

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BlackFolk.net
BlackFolk.net

We Ride Together, We...

... FLY TOGETHER!, From a selection of over 40+ bike routes across the L.A. area, each ride explores a different part of the city, offering riders a chance to visit places they might not otherwise see. Have you been to Sierra Madre? Explored the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains or the backroads of Palos Verdes? You'll experience all these areas and more, including remote-start rides to the Inland Emprire and San Fernando Valley, in the company of a fun and knowledgeable group of riders. Join us for a ride!.

Join our Strava club

Ride a lot? We do too. Come on and join the rest of us on Strava to be around a bunch of folk just like you: /clubs/BlackFolk

Join our Facebook group

Come kick it with your Folk in our Facebook group where we talk about everything Black Folk related: /groups/BlackFolk

Mweep Mweep!

directions_bike   ━━ or is it Beep Beep?

We are a growing community of cyclists who enjoy exploring Southern California on two wheels with friends. Our rides range from leisurely social outings to challenging, high-intensity adventures and we welcome guests on all our rides.


The Black Folk™ RoadRunners Bike Group meet every Wednesday morning for rides of varying difficulty, starting from various locations in and around the Los Angeles area. We also administer and record Century Challenge rides, where cyclists can test themselves on 100-mile routes. 


Many of our rides take place on roads and trails less traveled and our calendar also contains special rides and events, highlighted by our signature ride, The Black Tour, in late February. This fully supported 24-hour event includes options for Double Century, Triple, and Quad rides. Throughout the year, we challenge cyclists with other featured rides, and our social events help us replenish the calories we burn while riding.


Guests and Out-of-town cyclists are welcome on every ride. 

Road Bikes
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Hybrid Bikes
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Gravel Bikes 
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Fast Paced
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Safety 1st
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Networking 
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Good Workout
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Road Bikes
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Hybrid Bikes
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Gravel Bikes 
pedal_bike
Fast Paced
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Safety 1st
pedal_bike
Networking 
pedal_bike
Good Workout
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Black Folk Road Runners, L.A.

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Adult Rider

Arrive @ 8:00am

•Gather at Ride On! Bike Shop

8:00am to 9:00am

•Meet & Greet
•Bike Safety Checks

9:00am to 12:00pm

•Ride Out

12:00pm until...

•Wrap Up

For Wednesday August 7th, pick your route:

- the 40-miler. (.GPX | Cues | RwGPS)

- the 28-miler. (.GPX | Cues | RwGPS)

- the 16-miler. (.GPX | Cues | RwGPS)

See the maps below 👇🏾 and send the route of your choice to your Strava account.


Quick note:

• Free parking for your vehicle.

• Restrooms stops are along the route.


When you arrive, check in with the Ride Boss and they will gather information from you to ensure you are safe and accounted for by the end of the event. This ride does not have an official sweep, should you encounter a problem, get delayed or leave the ride, please text the Rode Boss with details.


Duration: 3 hours

When: Wednesday, August 7th @ 8:00am

Where: Leimert Park Plaza

Weather: Hi 84° / plenty of sun

JOIN THE CALENDAR >

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Black Folk™ Ride

Despite the numerous benefits of cycling, Black people in the United States are underrepresented in the cycling community. Various factors contribute to this disparity, including socioeconomic barriers, cultural perceptions, and infrastructural challenges.


One of the primary barriers to cycling in the Black community is the economic disparity. Quality bicycles and cycling gear can be expensive, and maintaining a bike also incurs costs. For many Black families, these expenses may not be feasible, especially when weighed against other financial priorities. Additionally, Black neighborhoods often have less access to safe cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and secure bike parking, which can deter individuals from taking up cycling.


Cultural perceptions and historical context also play significant roles. In some Black communities, cycling may not be seen as a practical or prestigious mode of transportation compared to cars. There's also a historical context where systemic racism and segregation limited access to resources and opportunities, including safe recreational spaces for activities like cycling.


Infrastructural issues are another significant barrier. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods lack adequate cycling infrastructure. The absence of bike lanes, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of bike-sharing programs in these areas contribute to safety concerns that deter many from cycling. Additionally, higher rates of policing in Black communities can make cycling a fraught activity, with Black cyclists more likely to be stopped and fined than their white counterparts.


Cycling offers numerous benefits that can positively impact the Black community. Here are some key advantages:

1. Health Benefits: Regular cycling improves cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Given the higher rates of these conditions in the Black community, promoting cycling can lead to significant health improvements.

2. Economic Benefits: Cycling is a cost-effective mode of transportation. It eliminates expenses associated with car ownership, such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking fees. For those without access to a car, cycling can provide reliable and affordable mobility, enhancing access to employment, education, and other essential services.

3. Environmental Benefits: Increased cycling reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Promoting cycling in Black communities aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental justice.

4. Community and Social Benefits: Cycling can foster a sense of community and social cohesion. Group rides and cycling events can bring people together, strengthening community ties and promoting a positive, active lifestyle. It also provides opportunities for community advocacy around better infrastructure and safer streets.

5. Mental Health Benefits: Physical activity, including cycling, is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The mental health benefits of cycling are particularly important given the higher rates of stress and trauma experienced by many in the Black community due to systemic racism and socio-economic challenges.


Addressing the barriers that prevent Black people from cycling requires a multifaceted approach. This includes investing in better infrastructure, making cycling more affordable, and promoting the cultural and health benefits of cycling within the Black community. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive cycling culture that benefits everyone, enhancing health, mobility, and quality of life for Black individuals and communities.

Is this event free?
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Totally free!

Be sure to bring your I.D. and a credit card. Depending on where and how long the route is, we bccassionally stop to grab snacks & drinks along the way.

SHOPPING LIST OF RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT...
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Our Private WhatsApp Chat 🔒:

(for past & future attendees only)


Our Strava Club 🚴🏽‍♂️:

https://strava.com/clubs/BlackFolk


Our Public Facebook Group 🗣️:
https://facebook.com/groups/BlackFolk.net


Our Group Walkie-Talkie Channels 📡:

ZELLO: (for past & future attendees only)

RADIO: FRS Ch.5 (462.66250)


Please be sure to wear appropiate clothes for the weather, bring your helmet, a spare inner tube, CO2 cartridge, bike pump, mobile phone and a pleasant attitude.

• Front & rear lights are recommended.

• The ride will NOT take place in the rain.

• If you are sick, please stay home.

• Avoid touching other riders.

• Bring your own hand sanitizer.


Here is a list of your MUST HAVE items. There is a link to each item that are tried and true because we have tested them and own it ourselves:

CLICK HERE for the Amazon shopping list of all items below.

• Personal Walkie-Talkie - click here

• Helmet - click here

• Gloves - click here

• Water bottle waist pack - click here

• Headlight & Tailight - click here

• Tire patch kit - click here

• Portable tire pump - click here

• Multi-tool - click here

• GoPro action camera - click here

• Your Sunglasses

• Your Sunscreen

• Your Cargo pants & shorts


Let us know if you think we should add anyting else to the list.

WHO IS INVITED TO RIDE?
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We invite all skilled adult riders with bikes that are road-ready. Please register.


• Helmets required

• Blinkys & Headlights suggested

• No sweep on duty

• Regroup at stop signs


The ride is open to the public and we encourage you to bring along your friends, family, bike group, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters and company employees to ride with us.

CAN I GET DROPPED?
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Yes. This is a faster paced ride for cyclists skilled at speeds averaging 15± mph.


Nobody is "required" to keep a certain pace to participate in this group ride, but we do expect you to keep pace with the group during the 1st leg. This ride does not have an official sweep. Should you encounter a problem, get delayed or leave the ride, please text the Ride Boss with details.


You may select whichever route you feel comfortable in doing.

WHO IS "BLACK FOLK" AND HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE?
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Black Folk, LLC - Founded in 2009 by Mr. Shannon W. Rawls, BF is an event planning conglomerate that operates and partners with amazing people to provide upscale, positive and entertaining events that is designed & curated for amazing people. Black people, specifically.


That's it. 🤷🏾‍♂️ That's the story.

We just really enjoy seeing Black people (and others who love them) enjoy themselves. There's something special about connecting the dots for folk to provide networking, positive relationships and things for people to do that's filled with smiles, laughter and living life to it's fullest.


We do not let politics or religion hinder our progress. We love liberals, conservatives, christians, muslims, straight, gay or any combination of any creed... it does not matter. So long as you are a wonderful & positive person, you are welcome.



Need to speak with us? Sure thing! There are 3 ways to get support...


1. You can speak with a LIVE operator by clicking the floating chat button in the lower right hand corner of this web page.

2. You can send an email to the team... Customers@BlackFolk.net and ask us anything. We'll get back to you fast.

3. You can also directly Text Message the 4 people monitoring our business line at... (949) 94-BLACK during any reasonable time.




This Ride

━━ brought to you by ━━
Shannon Rawls

shannon rawls

Nicole Williams

TBD

Leonard Redway

Stevon Lewis


  • WE DO GROUP RIDES
  • WE GO GRAVEL & TRAIL
  • WE SHARE TIPS & TRICKS
  • WE DO CHALLENGES
  • WE GO MOUNTAIN BIKING

Stay Up!

Join the Black Folk email list and stay up-to-date with all public news & events.

Release of Liability


© 1999 Rawls Enterprises | BlackFolk.net