Behind The Wheel: Interview Series: Mikaela Martin

“Cycling 100% has changed my life. But I changed my life. That is the power that cycling gives to you.” - Mikaela Martin

Meet our second feature in our “Behind the Wheel Series,” Mikaela Martin. A formidable cyclist, Mikaela rarely brags about her greatness. Rather, she spends her time fostering the warm communal environment of KRT/QRT. Mikaela is intentional about showing new cyclists the ropes and encourages Queens to push beyond their limits. Other times she’s sneaking off with the “Bad Decision Crew” for side adventures.

(Photography by Linette)

Rhode Island native and child of the outdoors, growing up Mikaela never participated in organized sports. As a young adult, didn’t feel comfortable in gyms because she never felt like she belonged. Despite her dad being a cyclist, Mikaela didn’t find cycling until her late 30s.

KRT: How did you get into cycling?

Mikaela: I was going through some changes in my life, and cycling became a catalyst for that. Or maybe the changes became the catalyst for cycling. Cycling became a way for me to reconnect with myself. To see what my body could do despite of how poorly I treated it for decades.

KRT: What was your first big ride?

Mikaela: My first ride was 7 years ago, and it still makes me feel strong, tough, and beautiful. That first ride is still a gift. I rode the Perkiomen trail, like the Schuylkill River Trail, for 30 miles. It ignited something in me and created a sense of achievement and pride and motivating to see what you can do next. I got addicted to that. I was doing this alone; it was just me, my body, and my mind. No one else knew what I was doing, and no one understood the depth to it.

KRT: Why is your first ride a “gift”

Mikaela: Cycling for me connected with my brain, my mental, and spiritual life. I felt one with universe. It was the journey to finding myself, after feeling so disconnected for so long from my physical body and spiritual body. It’s not always like this, sometimes I could go out and have fun. Every ride doesn’t have to be this transcendental moment. But those epic rides uncover the resilience and I celebrate that on some of those rides.

Cycling 100% has changed my life. But I changed my life. That is the power that cycling gives to you.

KRT: That is extremely powerful! How did you find group cycling?

Mikaela: Because my dad was a cyclist, I knew that there were cyclists out there. I started riding with groups within a few months. It was very intimidating even for the slower paced group because there weren't many women. I wasn't clipping-in, so I felt self-conscious. The club I joined worked out because it was well established. I moved up to the different paces.

I was riding with middle aged white men, and there’s a vibe that shows up and you're an only. It wasn’t a space I felt comfortable in. It was a resource, but I never truly felt comfortable in those spaces. As you move up into the A and Ax groups, speed is definitely a currency and that’s all that matters. There was a certain elitism that’s there, like tension in the air and you could feel that.

KRT: How did find KRT?

Mikaela: When I started mountain biking, I ran into a woman named Karen, who was starting a beginner friendly women's only mountain bike group. I feel into this amazing group of female cyclists. Being able to be with just a group of women, changed everything. I started mountain biking with this group before joining a club which was focused on road cycling.

After I experienced riding with only with women, I branched off into cyclocross and gravel. As I was looking into different cycling groups, I followed KRT cycling. The club posted a Queens ride which I thought was amazing. Someone sent me DM asking when I was going to ride with the club. I thought it was a black club, so I didn’t want to insert myself into that space. I offered my bike to borrow, and they affirmed that the club is open for everyone and invited me to a ride.

My first ride was a Tuesday night ride with KRT and Major Taylor, where we rode to the airport. I My second ride was a Queens ride with Ajoa and Claire. It was the second ever Queens ride. That was it, I feel into it every week. It’s so different when it’s just women in an inclusive setting.

KRT: How did riding with KRT/QRT differ from riding with other clubs?

Mikaela: I can't describe the space, and it was so special to me. There were so many beginners there, and I remember how it was so important for me to have experienced cyclists around when I was learning to ride. And having that come from another woman - representation matters. I know how important it was for me, and if I didn’t have that I wouldn’t know how that would look like for me. Just very meaningful to be able to be that person to help out with someone just learning.

KRT: How do you feel in a space of primarily cyclists of color?

Mikaela: The separation in cycling groups is apparent. I don’t want to share my life, including when riding my bike, only with people who have similar life experiences. It’s important to me to hear other people’s stories, and how we can gain so much from each other. We can gain so much from other people’s stories. Hearing the same stories is boring. It makes us better, more empathetic, it unites us. We can see ourselves in other people’s stories We can share how cycling changed our lives, but I want to learn more about your life and what neighborhood you lived in. Being around of a group of black women is a sacred space, and it needs to be sacred and protected. To be a part of that, for certain times of my life, has been special to me.

KRT: We appreciate the love and the way you’ve added to the space.

Mikaela: I was going through some tough things in life, and KRT/QRT was space for me to be. There were so many times where I’ve said that I just want to be with Queens. I don’t care where we ride and if we ride, I just need that Big Queen energy. There doesn’t have to be words. When you have a space like that, the magic of it is that its giving to its members without everyone even knowing. A collective energy where its constantly growing and constantly swirling, but it’s always giving.

KRT: How would you describe yourself as a cyclist?

Mikaela: I’m committed and excessive with “ultimative” personality. In real life not so great, but in cycling it has been an advantage. You need the practice; it comes down to hours and the time that you can put in. Open minded with a beginner mindset.

KRT: Other than road cycling, what other cycling disciplines are you into?

Mikaela: Mountain biking is my heart and soul. It’s my happy place. Gravel, cyclocross - not done in the while. The pandemic changed racing in general. I don’t consider myself a roadie, or mountain biker, or off-road cyclist. I ride all the bikes. They’re completely different sports.

KRT: What has been your favorite cycling event that you attended and why was it your favorite.

Mikaela: It’s got to be a KRT trip. LA last year was very special and Atlanta; we were rolling so deep. LA was special because of the gala. I was out of my element, and I leaned on multiple Queens to prepare myself. I felt supported by the Queens. To see everyone dressed up was really cool and fun!

The riding in LA was great, city riding and the ocean. Mike, Taylor, and I went into the mountains as well. We did a century together, from the ocean through downtown LA, and into different neighborhoods like suburbia, foothills, and mountains. They have everything. The landscape is very diverse. The climate is amazing, 72 and sunny with no humidity. I plan on going back next year, arriving early so that I can do some riding in the mountains.

KRT: What is your favorite KRT kit?

Mikaela: Woah that’s heavy! I love the OG Queens kit, the black jersey with QRT on the front and black and pink stipes on the sleeves. I also love the Pink Panther jersey.

KRT: Why do think it’s important for people to join cycling clubs?

Mikaela: I think everyone deserves to experience that transformative power of cycling. Bikes gives us access to health, strength, nature and fun and community. Riding to me is freedom; it's a tool to get through sometimes a complicated and messy and difficult journey that we call life. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel that flow with the universe on the bike. Being part of a club can help facilitate this.

If you like riding bikes, then you should check out a group. And if you check out a group it should be KRT, because it’s the most inclusive, accepting, and most special group I’ve been a part of!

Check out Mikaela’s Instagram page to stay up to date on her adventures.