Anchorage GRIT Empowers Young Cyclists with Confidence

Anchorage GRIT (Girls Riding Into Tomorrow) is gearing up for another successful spring as it continues to empower young women through its middle school bicycle mentorship program. Founded nearly a decade ago by Cait Rodriguez and Lael Wilcox, GRIT focuses on building confidence among girls in Anchorage as they learn to ride bicycles safely and confidently.

This season, 18 young riders are participating in a six-week program that culminated in a challenging 27-mile ride along Anchorage’s Moose Loop. The riders navigated through scenic trails, including the Ship Creek Trail and Coastal Trail, under the guidance of mentors Ana Jager and Taylor Borgfeldt.

Begich Middle School seventh grader Maddy Rohloff described the experience as “really fun, tiring but rewarding.” This mirrors the sentiments shared by other participants, who eagerly anticipate after-school rides that allow them to unwind and connect with nature.

Jager highlighted the remarkable progress of the young cyclists, noting how they gain both riding skills and meaningful connections. “It’s cool to see them get comfortable doing hard things,” she remarked. As part of their training, the girls also engage in mountain biking and cyclocross, further diversifying their skills.

The program will culminate with an adventurous overnight trip, testing the girls’ newly acquired skills as they cycle to Chugiak and Eklutna Lake. GRIT is actively fundraising to cover expenses, maintaining a 2-to-1 mentor-to-student ratio to enhance interaction and encouragement.

Rodriguez emphasized the long-term impact of GRIT, recalling the heartfelt connection she made with a graduate who still loves riding her bike years later. “It’s cool to see that permeate out into the world,” Rodriguez said.