Indigenous men have over two times the prevalence of lifetime PTSD compared to non-Hispanic white men.
Suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death for Black males aged 15 to 24 as recently as 2014.
These are tragedies that Damen Bell recognizes all too well. A former DI basketball player and avid cyclists who also identifies as Black and Indigenous, Damen has dedicated his life to speaking up against racism and mentoring youth in his community. That is why he has created Break the (BI)Cycle, using cycling as a vehicle to promote mental wellness through building communities within marginalized groups.
"I have long recognized a large gap in the cycling industry - there is not a strong presence of men of color. Break the (BI)Cycle focuses on Black and Indigenous men, two groups who experience personal and systemic racism resulting in significant mental health challenges. The idea of Break the (BI)Cycle is to create opportunities through a shared experience (cycling) to discuss mental health issues." explained Damen.
The Break the (Bi)cycle movement has already begun with cycling challenges continuing through July and August but it is much more than just that. Beginning July 7th, Damen and Break the (BI)Cycle will raise $100,000 to fund a bikepacking trip from Vancouver, BC to San Diego, CA comprised of 40 Black and Indigenous men. The $100,000 raised will go towards funding this ride as well as supporting an additional 20 initiatives in villages and communities with similar purposes.
From August 29th to September 30th, the riders will travel roughly 50 miles a day on a route through Indigenous lands. Damen has hand-selected daily end destinations to be communities that represent the rider's heritage, helping build community and additional support for the cause.
The composition of the ride is meant to bolster the narrative and storytelling of (BI)CYCLE as well. "By documenting riding on tribal lands and speaking with leaders in the community, we are able to share this story with not only Black and Indigenous people, who are well aware of these issues, but with groups that are unaware or unengaged in this ongoing fight." explained Damen.
To learn more about Break the (BI)cycle and to contribute to the cause, check out the Break the (BI)Cycle donation page here.
READING THIS AND WONDERING HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Lover of bikes and their fellow man?
Industry Partners:
- Damen is looking for financial backing and commitments of resources. There are multiple sponsor levels and any contribution to help facilitate the mission and the ride is welcome.
- Contact Damen at tlaatsgaa.skills.development@gmail.com for more information.
Industry Storytellers (Located on West Coast):
- Check out the schedule and let Damen know if you are willing to lend your expertise to help amplify this ride’s mission and message!
The Ride: Community Stops
August 29th – September 30th -1,707 mile bike ride from Vancouver, BC to San Diego, CA
August 29th Vancouver (Salish / Tles) - Bellingham (Lummi) 50.5 miles
August 30th Bellingham (Lummi) – Marysville (tulalip) 55 miles
August 31st Marysville (tulalip) - seattle (duwamish) 34 miles
September 1st Seattle (duwamish) - Puyallup 36 miles
September 2nd Puyallup - Olympia (Nisqually) 33 miles
September 3rd Olympia (Nisqually) - Raymond 64 miles
September 4th Raymond - Astoria (clatsop) 52 miles
September 5th Astoria (Clatsop) - Manzanita 39 miles
September 6th Manzanita - Tillamook 26 miles
September 7th Tillamook - Newport (Siletz) 68 miles
September 8th Newport (Siletz) - Florence (Umqua) 49 miles
September 9th Florence (Umqua) - Coos Bay (Coos) 49 miles
September 10th Coos Bay (Coos) - Bandon (Coquille) 23 miles
September 11th Bandon (Coquille) - Brookings (Chetco) 83 miles
September 12th Brookings (Chetco) - Klamath 45 miles
September 13th Klamath - Trinidad (Wiyot) 41 miles
September 14th Trinidad (Wiyot) - Rio Dell (Nekanni) 48 miles
September 15th Rio Dell - Leggett (64 miles)
September 16th Leggett - Fort Bragg (Pomo) 43 miles
September 17th Fort Bragg (Pomo) - Sea Ranch 64 miles
September 18th Sea Ranch - Bodega Bay (Coast Miwok) 42 miles
September 19th Bodega Bay (Coast Miwok) - Iverness 36 miles
September 20th Verness - San Francisco (Ohlone) 45 miles
September 21st San Francisco (Ohlone) - Halfmoon Bay 29 miles
September 22nd Half moon Bay - Santa Cruz 51 miles
September 23rd Santa Cruz (Awaswas) - Monterrey 50 miles
September 24th Monterrey (Costanoan) - Lucia 50 miles
September 25th Lucia (Essellen) - Morro Bay (Chumash)68 miles
September 26th Morro Bay - Santa Barbara 125 miles
September 27th Santa Barbara - Oxnard 39 miles
September 28th Oxnard - Los Angeles (Tongva) 65 miles
September 28th Los Angeles - Newport Beach 45 miles
September 29th Newport Beach - Oceanside (Luiseno) 56 miles
September 30th Oceanside - San Diego 40 miles
To learn more about Break the (BI)cycle and to contribute to the cause, check out the Break the (BI)Cycle donation page here.
