Choose - Lisa Muhammad
20th Jun 2023
Meet Lissa Muhammed: an affordable housing advocate in Los Angeles, California, who draws inspiration and a sense of freedom from her bike. Through our choose to ride campaign, Lissa beautifully shares how cycling has transformed her life, bridging personal boundaries and empowering her with a newfound sense of joy and purpose. Join us as we celebrate Lissa's powerful story and the profound impact of cycling.
I choose to ride because at the end of the day, I want to inspire my children.
Essentially, we want to know why you ride:
I thought I rode because of how it makes me feel. It's fun, "free" and liberating. I'm a 45-year young, mother of 5. Cycling makes me feel like a kid again ... it has truly been my therapy.
The more I ride the more I realize, I don't just do it for myself. I ride for my children. I've taught my children that the things you love are worth working for, they're worth striving for, and I hope that I can serve as a model for them.
The more I ride the more I realize, I don't just do it for myself. I ride for my children. I've taught my children that the things you love are worth working for, they're worth striving for, and I hope that I can serve as a model for them.
Now that you've caught the bug, what are your ambitions for 2023 and beyond?
This year, I have plans on racing out-of-state in three American Criterium Cup events (Tulsa, Boise and Salt Lake City) for the first time and adding more gravel events to the calendar as well. Those include The Last Best Ride (MT), Gravel Worlds (NE), Wasatch All-Road (UT) and returning to UNBOUND Gravel (KS) this summer in the hopes of setting a new PR in the 100!
What is your occupation?
When I'm off the bike, I work in affordable housing in the city of Los Angeles, California.
What is your favorite type of riding?
That's not fair, it's like asking me to choose my favorite child, lol! I enjoy gravel and road riding equally for different reasons but must say that I love a long, quiet, gravel ride with a ton of gorgeous views.
What inspired you to take up cycling and how did you get started?
I was inspired to take up cycling shortly after running my first marathon 15 years ago at the age of 30. As a birthday gift to myself I purchased my first bike with the intention of participating in a triathlon. It took some time but eventually I was able to accomplish that goal as well.
How has cycling impacted your physical and mental health since you've taken up the sport?
Ultimately, cycling for me is more than just leisure, it is about my mental, physical and spiritual well being. When I train, I am fully in control of how hard I push myself and how far I go, and in that way, it provides me a sense of peace in a world of chaos. Being able to engage in the things I love doing and knowing that I have the support of my children and my extended family gives me the strength and energy to go forward, even during my toughest days.
What advice would you have given yourself when you first started knowing what you know now?
Don't lost sight of why you started cycling. Keep it fun! There will be challenges, obstacles and doubt that will creep in. If the journey you find yourself on is not serving you in a positive way, adjust the course and find your own unique path.
- FINISH -