Photos by Runhood, with permission from WCC.  

This past Independence Day women cyclists in Indonesia had more than just the country’s independence to celebrate.  Since the founding of WCC (Women’s Cycling Community) in 2014 the 17^th of August has come to mean more than just the birth of a sovereign nation but also the inception of one of Indonesia’s largest, most well-known, and fast growing women’s cycling communities. 

 

Besides having the same date, from a metaphorical standpoint for many women the ability to be part of a community of female cyclists provided a physically and emotionally secure outlet in which to exercise their burgeoning interest or long held passion for road cycling. 

 

The ability to freely indulge in a physical activity due to the emergence of a group of like-minded individuals willing to share knowledge and experience is in itself is a form of liberation from the shackles of ignorance and self-doubt. 

 

For the second anniversary of WCC the Jakarta chapter of WCC held a criterium race at JIExpo in Kemayoran.  Normally the site of Jakarta’s only regular criterium road race, Crazy Crit Jakarta (www.crazycritjakarta.com), the WCC crew wanted to do something special and introduce more female and male riders to the sport of criterium racing. 

 

Fast, furious and usually with a crash or two, criterium racing is not for the faint-hearted, but with a few warm-up laps and pointers in basic bike handling (get on those drop bars ladies!!!) even the most timid newbie can quickly find themselves addicted to the adrenalin rush. 

 

Check out the pictures below for a glimpse of the glory and joy on this latest Independence Day in celebration of not just a nation but a gender coming of age.

 

The PGN youth riders strutting their stuff.

 

WCC Bro's got to throw down as well.  

 

It's a celebration!

 

Crit's are family events, didn't you know??

If you would like more info on WCC and their activities in Indonesia check out their IG account at wcc.id and via email at wcc.indo@yahoo.com.

Here's a video on WCC Surabaya as featured on Trans7: WCC_Surabaya_Trans7