Influencer, writer, & rider for All Bodies on Bikes
When Marley grew up in Texas, during the 1990’s, she spent her free time cycling. As she got older and moved to Seattle the time she spent riding tapered off. But, in 2010, that changed. She began looking for a sense of self. All of her friends were riding, so she sold her car and started commuting by bike.
Marley wasn’t looking to win races, change her body shape, or become the next elite athlete. She was riding for community, for fun, and for the utility it presented. As she continued her cycling journey, she needed gear. “You can ride in jeans, but jeans will only get you so far.” However, when she entered shops and stores, she noticed a severe lack of sizing for larger bodies. The cycling apparel catered to thin individuals. To find a comfortable size, Marley’s only recourse was found in some of the men’s sizing, but those still didn’t fit her quite right. She knew she couldn’t be the only one with this problem. A lack of accessible clothing for big bodies was preventing an entire community of current and potential riders from experiencing and finding the enjoyment cycling could bring.
Two years ago she co-founded the non-profit, All Bodies On Bikes. Their mission is “to change the bike industry. We believe that anyone who wants to ride a bike should be able to, regardless of their size or weight. We are creating inclusive bike communities from the inside.” As an influencer and paid rider for Pearl Izumi, Canondale, Ride GPS and Shimano, she realized she wasn’t attached to Seattle. When she saw Arkansas was giving away $10,000 grants to move here, she applied, was awarded a grant. She was Bentonville bound!
She has started All Bodies On Bikes NWA chapter and begun work on a nationwide clothing company for large bodied riders. Marley keeps busy spreading the word and advocating for others. She teaches the cycling community to be genuine; lead with empathy. There is considerable education lacking to properly support riders who don’t fit into the cycling world stereotype. This stereotype does not necessarily represent the majority, however. Marley hopes to bring awareness and normality to knowing bike weight limitations and recommendations, empathic methods of inquiring weights for setting suspension, and availability of apparel for all sizes. Additionally, she is working to bring all ability friendly group rides. Rides geared toward community and fun, rather than performance and speed.
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