Accidentally Becoming a Biker

by guest blogger, Mona Lopez, CAFÉ Outreach & Special Project Coordinator

Mona on the Tour of Lopez

Hi, my name is Mona, and I’m still very new to biking, but it has quickly become something I look forward to every chance I get.

I was introduced to biking when I was asked to help run an after-school bike program through Wenatchee CAFÉ and Sustainable NCW. I’ve worked in the nonprofit world for a while, so trying new things isn’t unusual for me, but this felt different.

When we started our first classes, I was honestly hesitant about going on rides. As a plus-size woman, the fear and embarrassment were very real. I kept thinking: What if I can’t keep up? What if people are watching me? What if I don’t belong here?

And then… it shifted.

I went from not riding a bike since probably middle school to riding almost every day. Somewhere along the way, the fear started to fade, replaced by something else: excitement, maybe even a little passion? I’m still figuring out the right word, but I know it feels good.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been teaching alongside Beryl and helping lead bike courses in Spanish. As someone who doesn’t often see Latino/Hispanic representation in the biking community, this mattered to me right away.

Because the reality is, biking can be an expensive hobby that isn’t accessible to everyone. So knowing that for some of our students this is their first “nice” bike, or that it might open the door to transportation, independence, or just something fun… that’s powerful. What I thought would be a simple role in my job turned into something that’s impacted me just as much as it's impacted them.

And the ripple effect? It’s real.

I’ve gotten my entire family and my partner into biking. As the oldest sibling, seeing my younger siblings get excited about something I’m excited about is such a good feeling. I’ve also met some really amazing people along the way (shoutout to Dan at Full Circle Bike Shop for answering all my questions and being such a great resource for new riders).

Most recently, I completed my first bike tour, the Tour de Lopez on Lopez Island, with my little brother and a friend. We rode 31 miles, which might not sound like much to some people, but to me it was huge.

It also gave me a whole new perspective.

I finally understand why a close friend of mine does the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. I remember joking with her before all of this, “Doctora Maria, you’re crazy for riding that far. Could never be me.” (Very confidently, too.)

And now? Now I find myself looking at long routes and thinking, “Okay…but that actually sounds kind of fun.”

So this Bike Month, I’m celebrating growth. I’m celebrating trying something new, even when it’s uncomfortable. And I’m celebrating the version of me who didn’t think she belonged on a bike… but showed up anyway.