October 5th, 2024 | by Shannon Rudd
We are so excited to welcome Shannon Rudd to Quench'd this week. We first met Shannon in person at SBT Gravel this summer as she was getting ready to race the next day. We love her spirit, and we are proud to share her Quench'd story! Shannon Rudd has been a vital part of the NYC Women’s Cycling community for over eight years. After a successful collegiate athletic career in field hockey (NCAA Div. II National Champion runner-up) and lacrosse (2-time WDIA National Champion Lacrosse Goalie), she turned to road cycling at age 35, drawn to the supportive NYC Women’s cycling community. As a ride leader and advocate, Shannon emphasizes the need for size inclusivity in cycling gear and apparel. She made history as the first U.S.-based plus-sized ambassador for Velocio and Specialized and enjoys road, gravel, and bikepacking adventures.
My athletic journey began early. My first recollections of facing body image in sports was after being pulled from gymnastics at age three due to my body type, and never having properly fitting sports uniforms through years of AYSO Soccer, YMCA basketball and high school varsity level sports. These experiences have fueled my passion for lowering the barriers of entry for larger bodies in cycling.
After moving to NYC for grad school, I relied on a “clunker bike” for transportation. After years of riding throughout NYC and not owning a car, I wanted to go on longer adventures outside the city. I bought my first used road bike, but then faced a major hurdle: finding a kit that fit. Most plus-sized cycling apparel is available only online, leading to costly returns and frustration.
I joined New York Cycle Club’s SIG program and Women’s Cycling NYC, progressing in my road cycling skills. While completing longer rides and seeking bigger adventures, I noticed a lack of quality plus-sized apparel for various weather conditions. Most brands offered only basic summer kits, creating safety concerns for longer adventures. After years of writing to cycling brands for the need for more inclusive kit sizing with minimal response and being denied a properly sized leader jersey from the cycling club I was leading rides for, I caught the attention of Velocio via a Twitter post in 2021. They invited me to become an ambassador to help with their expanded kit sizing.
We are so excited to welcome Shannon Rudd to Quench'd this week. We first met Shannon in person at SBT Gravel this summer as she was getting ready to race the next day. We love her spirit, and we are proud to share her Quench'd story! Shannon Rudd has been a vital part of the NYC Women’s Cycling community for over eight years. After a successful collegiate athletic career in field hockey (NCAA Div. II National Champion runner-up) and lacrosse (2-time WDIA National Champion Lacrosse Goalie), she turned to road cycling at age 35, drawn to the supportive NYC Women’s cycling community. As a ride leader and advocate, Shannon emphasizes the need for size inclusivity in cycling gear and apparel. She made history as the first U.S.-based plus-sized ambassador for Velocio and Specialized and enjoys road, gravel, and bikepacking adventures.
My athletic journey began early. My first recollections of facing body image in sports was after being pulled from gymnastics at age three due to my body type, and never having properly fitting sports uniforms through years of AYSO Soccer, YMCA basketball and high school varsity level sports. These experiences have fueled my passion for lowering the barriers of entry for larger bodies in cycling.
After moving to NYC for grad school, I relied on a “clunker bike” for transportation. After years of riding throughout NYC and not owning a car, I wanted to go on longer adventures outside the city. I bought my first used road bike, but then faced a major hurdle: finding a kit that fit. Most plus-sized cycling apparel is available only online, leading to costly returns and frustration.
I joined New York Cycle Club’s SIG program and Women’s Cycling NYC, progressing in my road cycling skills. While completing longer rides and seeking bigger adventures, I noticed a lack of quality plus-sized apparel for various weather conditions. Most brands offered only basic summer kits, creating safety concerns for longer adventures. After years of writing to cycling brands for the need for more inclusive kit sizing with minimal response and being denied a properly sized leader jersey from the cycling club I was leading rides for, I caught the attention of Velocio via a Twitter post in 2021. They invited me to become an ambassador to help with their expanded kit sizing.
Meanwhile, I was also the first plus-sized ambassador for Specialized, due to constantly breaking bike components and frequenting a bike shop for repairs that was the largest retailer of Specialized bikes in NYC at the time. Be it chainrings, spokes, rims or saddles, I managed to crack them all (I also powerlift). After breaking 3 of the same saddles during the pandemic that led to my worst saddle sore, I was at my wits end. I reached out to the Specialized saddle team. After some back and forth with a female PM, they then invited me to be a test rider for the Power Pro with mirror saddle—one of the first 3D-printed bike saddles designed with larger bodies in mind. I encouraged them to make it durable to withstand bikepacking adventures, leading to a change in the rail materials.
Creating meaningful change takes time, energy and perseverance. I faced numerous hidden barriers when I starting road cycling, which would deter most others from pursuing the sport. I hope by speaking out and demanding change, I’ve made it a bit easier for others to join the cycling community.
Many have suggested that I start my own company to produce inclusive cycling gear and apparel, without the knowledge of the immense investment and effort required. Most cyclists simply want to enjoy their passion without the added burden of advocating for basic equipment and apparel needs. Change should not solely rest on the shoulders of those facing the most significant barriers.
To foster a more inclusive cycling community, I encourage everyone to advocate for diverse sizing and support brands that prioritize size inclusivity and innovative products that solve for the real challenges. Thoughtful purchasing decisions can collectively lead to significant changes in the industry.
Together, we can push for real impact in the cycling industry. By advocating for size inclusivity and supporting brands that innovate and expand their products, we can ensure that cycling is welcoming to everyone.
Follow Shannon on her cycling adventures: @chainringqueen
Meanwhile, I was also the first plus-sized ambassador for Specialized, due to constantly breaking bike components and frequenting a bike shop for repairs that was the largest retailer of Specialized bikes in NYC at the time. Be it chainrings, spokes, rims or saddles, I managed to crack them all (I also powerlift). After breaking 3 of the same saddles during the pandemic that led to my worst saddle sore, I was at my wits end. I reached out to the Specialized saddle team. After some back and forth with a female PM, they then invited me to be a test rider for the Power Pro with mirror saddle—one of the first 3D-printed bike saddles designed with larger bodies in mind. I encouraged them to make it durable to withstand bikepacking adventures, leading to a change in the rail materials.
Creating meaningful change takes time, energy and perseverance. I faced numerous hidden barriers when I starting road cycling, which would deter most others from pursuing the sport. I hope by speaking out and demanding change, I’ve made it a bit easier for others to join the cycling community.
Many have suggested that I start my own company to produce inclusive cycling gear and apparel, without the knowledge of the immense investment and effort required. Most cyclists simply want to enjoy their passion without the added burden of advocating for basic equipment and apparel needs. Change should not solely rest on the shoulders of those facing the most significant barriers.
To foster a more inclusive cycling community, I encourage everyone to advocate for diverse sizing and support brands that prioritize size inclusivity and innovative products that solve for the real challenges. Thoughtful purchasing decisions can collectively lead to significant changes in the industry.
Together, we can push for real impact in the cycling industry. By advocating for size inclusivity and supporting brands that innovate and expand their products, we can ensure that cycling is welcoming to everyone.
Follow Shannon on her cycling adventures: @chainringqueen
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