A community of female cyclists rode together in the 17th annual Venus de Miles bicycle race on Saturday.
More than 800 athletes participated in the all-women’s race, which began and ended at Bohn Park in Lyons. Cyclists who crossed the finish line in the morning and afternoon were cheered on by family members, friends and other cyclists.
“We all had fun,” said Olivia Lawson, who was participating in the Venus de Miles for the first time.
Riders could choose between routes of 30, 48 and 64 miles, all of which took cyclists through the foothills and farmland northeast of Lyons. This year, about half of the riders were returning participants, some of whom had been taking part since the Venus de Miles was introduced.
“There are simply far fewer female cyclists in the cycling community,” said event director Mariel McCown. “And especially in the races and rides, there are very few opportunities for women to compete outside of competition. So (Venus de Miles) was created as an opportunity to foster a sisterhood community.”
McCown said the event’s usual 100-mile route that runs all the way to Estes Park was eliminated this year. Saturday’s routes were instead limited to the Front Range, with the first riders returning to Bohn Park around 10:30 a.m.
The “Finish Festival” in the park provided food and drinks for cyclists completing their courses. Finishers were also offered free facials and massages, which McCown said seems to be unique to Venus de Miles events.
“We’re not a race, we’re a ride,” McCown said. “There’s no podium. It’s really about community and just having fun.”
This year’s main sponsor of the event was the Cemex Lyons cement plant, which the cyclists passed on their routes. Cemex placed a sign for the cyclists on Colo. 66 that read “We are glad you are here.”
“The cycling community here is so strong and passionate, and they ride right past our factory every day,” said Michael Clausen, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at the Lyons factory. “It’s a perfect fit for us.”
Cassiopeia, another local sponsor, is a women’s-focused cycling apparel boutique in Boulder.
“I love what this event does for women in sports,” said Diana Freeman, founder of Cassiopeia. “Our missions are aligned.”
Cyclist Sarah Roman has participated in several Venus de Miles events, but this was her first time in Lyons. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the ride was held in Longmont’s Prospect neighborhood.
“It’s a nice community of cyclists who look out for each other and stop when someone needs help,” said Roman. “I made a lot of new friends today.”
Sarah Diamond of Louisville, who was participating in the event for the first time, completed the 30-mile course. She said she was inspired by her colleague, a 60-year-old breast cancer survivor, who also completed the 30-mile ride.
“Everyone is just really nice and cheers each other on,” said Diamond. “It was really cool.”
