The Runna Podcast The Fight for Representation in Pro Cycling with Ayesha McGowan
Aug 22, 2025
Ayesha McGowan, the first African-American female professional cyclist, shares her remarkable journey from a music teacher to international racing with Liv Racing. She reflects on her breakthrough moment at the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l'Ardèche and the challenges of representation in cycling. Ayesha discusses founding initiatives like A Quick Brown Fox and The Abundance Project to empower women of color. Her story not only inspires with tales of resilience but also calls for meaningful change in the sport and beyond.
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Early Bike Memory Shaped Her Path
- Ayesha taught herself to ride on her grandparents' garage after getting two bikes at five years old.
- She grew up active in rural Georgia which seeded her lifelong love of movement.
Sport First, Cycling Later
- Ayesha's first sporting love was basketball and then field hockey in high school before cycling became relevant.
- Cycling was just transport with friends until adulthood when she discovered it could be competitive.
From Commuter To Alley Cat Racer
- As an adult in Boston, Ayesha started commuting by bike and got involved in bike advocacy.
- Her first taste of competitive cycling came from alley cat fixed-gear street races and messenger culture.