Who We Are: Gearing Up is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide women in transition from abuse, addiction, and incarceration with the skills, equipment, and guidance needed to safely ride a bicycle for exercise, transportation,
and personal growth. Women in the program are attempting to learn how to live a sober life with purpose and meaning.
Braking Cycles, a short documentary on Gearing Up, tells the story of three women from different walks of life but with a common accomplishment: recovery from seemingly hopeless situations. In varying degrees, each has been seriously impacted
by drugs, alcohol, prison sentences and violence, and found herself in desperate need of guidance to help disrupt the downward spiral of a life spun out of control. The film chronicles the founding aspects and evolution of Gearing Up.
Our Program: For women in the program, bikes quickly become symbols of newfound health and self-esteem. Past the benefits of exercise, bicycling offers a mode of transportation, opportunities for social connectedness and employment, and positive
psychological benefits. Ride leaders become mentors, co-riders become sisters, and hills become challenges met both individually and as part of something greater than each woman. In doing so, they take two pedals to the recovery – strides that show women
through real-life experience that they possess the courage to accomplish new challenges and set new horizons for themselves.
While in transition, bicycling offers a mode of transportation, opportunities for social connectedness and employment, and positive psychological and physical health benefits. The Gearing Up program helps provide women with regular coaching, mentoring, and
support to help them adopt healthy lifestyle changes, promote personal growth, and use biking for constructive confidence building as well as a healthy, practical means of transportation.
Our Project: At the first public screening of Braking Cycles Gabriel Mandujano, Founder of Wash Cycle Laundry, initiated a movement. By opening his wallet, taking out his cash, passing it to the person sitting next to him and encouraging the
movement to continue throughout the theater, he proved the power a community has when acting as one. At the end of the night, the audience collectively donated $629 to support Gearing Up. When everyone gives a little – a lot can be accomplished!
Today we are asking you to join our efforts - become a member of our community - and support Gearing Up because it really does take a village.
