“Unlimited” is one of the main themes of the women’s cycling club “Jazdím Čiernu Středu” (JČS). The name is derived from the „Black Protests“ that women in Poland expressed less than a decade ago to show their disagreement with the restriction of their personal freedom.
JČS resonates with the views of their neighboring women, and since 2019, they have been riding every Wednesday starting from International Women’s Day in March, cycling around Bratislava. The peloton consists exclusively of women and girls, not because men are inferior, but because this is the one ride a week that belongs only to women.
Gabika, Zuz, and Zita are in their thirties, riding steel REPETE bikes. One is loud, another is quiet, and the third is always in a good mood. All three of them are captains, which means that within the ride, they lead a group of cyclists safely from point A to point B. “We don’t take ourselves seriously, but we take responsibility,” says Gabika.
Each of them has a full-time job. Cycling is part of their popular work-life balance package. In addition to club activities, they contribute to community development and encourage interest in social issues. They are all about respect, awareness, and above all, having fun.
“What pleases us the most is that the confidence built during the rides carries these girls into their real world, and they stand up for themselves and their rights,” Zuz, Gabika, and Zita agree.
One and only: @jazdimciernustredu, @bresticka, @zuzvido, @zitakakalejcik
Photos: Nora a Jakub @nora.jakub, Bára Tabačková @tara_barackova
Graphic design: NICE GUY @niceguyoftheyear, Matej Špánik @matejspanik
