Pennine Rally for Gendered Intelligence

Hi! I’m Nik, and with support from the lovely folk at Stayer Cycles I’m riding this year’s Rapha Pennine Rally to raise money for the charity Gendered Intelligence - the leading trans-led charity in the UK, who work to increase understandings of trans people and of wider gender diversity.

GI's services stretch from trans awareness training, to (what they believe is) the largest trans youth work service in the world, to policy and consultancy work.

As trans rights are coming under increased attacks over access to spaces, healthcare and support, or even debating the validity of transgendered people's experiences and identities; and with British Cycling recently excluding all trans athletes from sport- it’s really important to me that as cyclists we come together and support the trans community.

I identify as non-binary, and discovering the freedom and empowering experience of cycling was a key turning point in becoming more comfortable within my body and gender. Being able to exercise, feel good about my body and be outside without the pressures of team sport was a huge gift - one that I’d like to make sure that other trans/non-binary cyclists aren’t denied.

By fundraising for Gendered Intelligence I hope that as a community, we can start to show our support for trans and non-binary people. Let’s show our sport for what it can be: open, diverse and welcoming!

The Ride

The Rapha Pennine Rally is a 500km ride, mostly off-road between Edinburgh and Manchester over the mountainous spine of the Pennines. It’s not a race, or designed for fastest-known-time efforts, but a challenge. And for me, although I’m used to long days on the road, this will be the most challenging ride with multiple nights spent out in a bivy, carrying all the food and water I need with me.

Partly I was drawn to the event because it’s non-competitive; I enjoy challenging myself on my own terms and that’s an ethos I’d like to support!

I'm hoping to raise £2000 - every donation goes directly to Gendered Intelligence, supporting their vital work. Please show your support for trans people, every donation will help, no matter how big or small!