The Ripple Effect: Roam Fest, Allyship & Creating Safe Space in Outdoor Sports
This week on Tarin It Up, we’re back with our friend Sam Ryan, Director of Partnerships at Roam Fest—and let me tell you, this one goes deep in all the best ways. We’re talking about the real work (and joy) that goes into creating an inclusive space in the cycling world—specifically for women, non-binary, and queer riders who have historically been overlooked in mountain biking.
🎧 Listen now:
What Roam Fest Is All About
Roam Fest isn’t just another bike event. It’s a full-on celebration of femme and gender-expansive riders, packed with workshops, affinity rides, community hangouts, and actual support—not just lip service. No egos. No gatekeeping. Just good people on bikes showing up for each other and building something bigger than themselves.
"The ripple effect of Roam Fest is real."
We get into how Roam started, why it intentionally excludes cis men, and how it’s become a hub for growth, not just in biking skills, but in connection, identity, and collective empowerment.
Brave Spaces > Safe Spaces
We talk about creating safe spaces and brave ones, where folks can show up as their full selves, where pronouns matter, where representation is real, and where allyship isn’t passive. Sam gets real about what it means to build inclusivity in a way that’s messy, human, and evolving.
"It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being receptive."
Workshops, Scholarships & Riding for Something Bigger
Roam is about more than just the rides (though those sound damn good too). It’s about demystifying bike culture through skills clinics, scholarship opportunities, and affinity rides designed to help folks feel confident and seen.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
✅ Roam Fest is a radically inclusive space for women & femmes
✅ Brave spaces encourage authenticity, risk-taking, and connection
✅ Pronouns and identity matter in building community
✅ Representation in the outdoor industry still has a long way to go
✅ Brands and individuals both have a role in meaningful allyship
✅ Scholarships help remove financial barriers to access
✅ Inclusivity is an ongoing practice, not a checkbox
How to Get Involved
Want to attend Roam Fest? Looking for scholarship info? Want to learn how to show up as an ally? Here’s where to start:
🌐 roamfest.com
📝 Scholarship & Inclusion Info
📲 Follow @thisisroam
And of course, keep riding with us:
📲 @tarin.it.up.podcast
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