The ambassadors took full advantage of the old time photo booth at Bell Joy Ride kick off.
Following the Bell Joy Ride program’s broad success across the country in its initial year, Bell has expanded the program from eight to twelve markets for 2017, helping continue its mission to get more women mountain biking, more often. Created for all women who love mountain biking, the Bell Joy Ride program continues its mission with the addition of six new ambassadors and four new regions.
“In only the first year of the program, everyone involved at Bell has been amazed by the dedication, growth and enthusiasm of the Joy Ride ambassadors,” said Heather Cooper, Brand Director for Bike and Powersports at Bell. “As Joy Ride moves forward at full-speed, the team can’t wait to see what 2017 holds.”
Brand Director Heather Cooper teaches important ambassador skills, learning how to take a selfie.
The women chosen came from all walks of life and varied in age, but were selected because they were already leading ride leaders and key influencers in their local areas. By giving these women social media and event planning tools to organize these events, as well as giveaway items and a funding, the program is hoping to help these women take their leadership to the next level.
This Bell launch embodies what the program is all about and hopes to spread this mantra all over the country and beyond.
Welcoming the 6 new Bell Joy Ride Ambassadors.
Joy Ride Ambassadors for 2017
New regions/ambassadors:
Amber-Lyn Streiff, Santa Rosa, CA
Jamie Armitage , Golden, CO
Natasha Weis, Gig Harbor, WA
Lauren Hutchinson, Boone, NC
New ambassadors in current regions:
Susan Douglas, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Jaclyn Delacroix, North Vancouver, BC Canada
Welcoming back our 6 Bell Joy Ride Ambassadors from 2016 (missing Missy Petty).
Returning regions and ambassadors:
Missy Petty, Knoxville, TN
Amber Krueger, Madison, WI
Samantha Jones, Kansas City, MO
Veronique Pardee, Tucson, AZ
Kendell Ryan, Richmond, VA
Nina Karpoff, Edmonton, AB
Natasha is all smiles as the ride comes to an end.
Each ambassador is expected to host one ride per month during the riding season. And a mission statement is to infect all others with a sense of joy, adventure and empowerment. Ages is just a stat that is omitted so it is not out of the question to see grandmas and young girls shred the same trails and share high-fives. The only expectation is riders of all abilities are embraced with rides ranging from beginner to advanced. Everyone is given the opportunity to have fun and stay safe. And it goes without saying that post-ride parties will always ensue after the ride.
Kristin Butcher from Bike Mag winning at the mini bike race.
While the program is only in its second year, Bell hopes to eventually build the most comprehensive map of female mountain bike rides in the country. Currently their map only highlights Joy Ride events, but they will adding other group rides in the future so that women from all over North America can meet up. The growth demonstrated this year establishes the momentum needed to reach more women in the sport and encourage new riders to join in.
Continue to page 2 for more from Bell Joy Ride Santa Cruz »