BIKEPACKING.com Launches Bikepacking
Collective Routes Access Fund
July 15, 2020: BIKEPACKING.com has launched the Bikepacking Collective Routes Access Fund, an expansive grant program they hope will help change the face of bikepacking by increasing representation of individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and elevating BIPOC voices through inclusivity in route creation, storytelling, and knowledge sharing across BIKEPACKING.com, The Bikepacking Journal, and their social community.
In recognition of the immense value that diverse perspectives add to BIKEPACKING.com and the broader bikepacking community, the Bikepacking Collective Routes Access Fund is open to BIPOC individuals who have an interest in riding or developing bikepacking routes, or building a bikepacking community program. Given the unique obstacles these groups face due to generations of systemic racism and inequitable access to the outdoors, BIKEPACKING.com is committed to helping empower BIPOC writers, creatives, and organizers.
BIKEPACKING.com has allocated $10,000 in yearly dues from their Bikepacking Collective membership program, aligned several gear partners, and they’re inviting brands and individuals to help grow the fund by making donations up to a total of $50,000—100% of which will go directly to awardees.
There are three initiatives within the Bikepacking Collective Routes Access Fund:
- BIPOC Ride & Report Fund
Grants are available for BIPOC individuals who are interested in riding any existing BIKEPACKING.com route(s) and sharing their experience to inspire future riders, whether that’s working with BIKEPACKING.com’s team to publish writing and photography, creating artwork, shooting a short video, designing a zine, being interviewed on their YouTube channel, etc. Support will come in the form of funding for trip-related expenses, and based on need and availability, recipients may also receive a selection of essential bikepacking and camping gear from BIKEPACKING.com’s outdoor industry partners—Big Agnes, Blackburn, Brooks England, Enlightened Equipment, Giro, Ortlieb, Revelate Designs, and Velocio.
- BIPOC Route Design Fund
As part of their larger Bikepacking Collective Routes Fund, BIKEPACKING.com is looking to develop and support original bikepacking routes from BIPOC route designers. These could be overnight adventures close to home, weekend routes, or larger routes that span regions or continents. Through the BIPOC Route Design Fund, BIKEPACKING.com will provide grants for trip-related expenses, plus a substantial investment of time and resources to help create guides and publish selected routes.
- BIPOC Community Development Fund
BIKEPACKING.com wants to support BIPOC-led programs and projects that help promote cycling, bikepacking, and the outdoors in BIPOC communities. These initiatives might include regularly scheduled group rides, youth cycling and camping events, and bike maintenance, bikepacking, or other skills workshops, etc. Organizers who are in need of some financial support to launch or expand an event or program are encouraged to submit proposals.
Pledge Your Support
BIKEPACKING.com is asking individuals and outdoor industry brands to help grow the Bikepacking Collective Routes Access Fund by pledging to make a donation today, which will be collected early in the new year. They’re hoping to raise up to a total of $50,000 to support trips, route development, and programs in 2021, and 100% of post-transaction-fee (3%) donations will go directly to awardees.
Application Details + Deadlines
Applications for the BIPOC Ride & Report Fund and BIPOC Community Fund will be accepted until October 15th, 2020, to support trips and events taking place in 2021. Application for the BIPOC Route Design Fund is now open, and submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Complete details are available at https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-routes/access-fund/
Contact
Media inquiries, other questions, or queries about corporate sponsorship can be sent to Lucas Winzenburg, editor-in-chief of The Bikepacking Journal, at lucas@bikepacking.com.
