Black History Month Cyclist Spotlight: Rosa Phillip

Rosa Phillip

How long have you been cycling?

After a long time off the bike asa teenager and young adult, I got back into cycling 14 years ago in 2012.

How did you get into cycling?

After a knee injury, I started riding a bike in the gym as a form of rehab. I thought it would be fun to ride outdoors again, like I did a child, so I bought my first bike in 2012, and joined Midweek Cycling Club in 2013. Since then I’ve been racing road, track, cyclocross and mountain bike.

What cycling club do you ride with?

I ride for Midweek Cycling Club. I’ve been with them since 2013 when I joined their Learn-to-Race program. The coaches there taught me how to race my bike, and I eventually became a coach in 2019. Monday nights in the summer have become my favorite day of the week teaching other riders how to road ride and race safely. In the last few years it’s become really exciting because the women’s group has become quite large. It’s great to see so many women learning to ride and race bikes.

Where is your favorite place to ride your bike?

I love to ride my mountain bike or cyclocross bike in the Don Valley in Toronto. It’s such a treasure in the middle of our city, and not a far ride from where I live. I love the challenge of off-road cycling because it feels different every time I go out and ride, there’s always a new obstacle to try and master.

What does being a Black cyclist mean to you?

Being a Black cyclist means I’m aware that I’m one of the few Black riders in the sport. Black representation in the sport is limited but it is growing, especially in Toronto. In the pro peloton it is also great to see Black cyclists like Biniam Girmay doing so well. I know that showing up in the sport matters, whether I’m out riding casually or racing hard. I hope there are young Black athletes out there that can see people like themselves in the sport, so it can make cycling feel more possible and less out of reach.

How has community played a role in your experience as a cyclist?

Community is the main reason that I stay in this sport. Cycling can be very intimidating for a newcomer; the bikes, gear, and races can all be overwhelming. Having a group of people who are welcoming can make a huge difference. Community, to me, in cycling means having friends to go on rides with, teammates who I can chat with about races, or be there for support. The community of cyclists around me have helped me stay committed in this sport, and fin enjoyments beyond any of my results.

What does Black History Month mean to you personally?

Black History Month for me is a time to remember all the great accomplishments that Black people have done in the past and present. I feel like I learn something new every year and it encourages me to do better and to strive harder to be a good example.

What changes would you like to see in cycling to make it more inclusive and accessible?

I’d like to see cycling continue to grow and become more inclusive, more welcoming, and less intimidating. Community plays a big role in this. I’d love to see more beginner friendly group rides with encouraging ride leaders. Representation is important as well. The more normal that diversity becomes, the more accessible cycling will feel to newcomers and those different backgrounds.