Her sponsors helped produce the T-shirts, the proceeds of which go to benefit the bike shop Dah Shop and Black Women’s Blueprint. Dah Shop is a Black-owned small business and “has been on the block for 13 years,” Lovejoy says. “That alone is major to me. Also, [the owner] Tyrone, is an amazing person.” As for Black Women’s Blueprint, it is a Black feminist organization that Lovejoy has been familiar with for several years. “I learned about Black Women’s Blueprint through mutual friends, mainly through Black women in the birthing world and birthing communities,” says Lovejoy. “I was drawn to the organization and I respected the work that they were doing. I can tell when organizations are about that action because I come from a family of nonprofit and community advocates.” The T-shirts also come with a layered message. Fellow cyclist Angie Chavez illustrated a green bike with each of its parts labeled, as a way to educate those interested in biking.
A bevy of cyclists turned out last weekend in some seriously chic clothes. Lovejoy wore a pair of Ganni leopard print shorts, a matching bikini top by Inamorata, a shredded shirt, a pair of Asics, and a Telfar hat. Lovejoy credits her look to Black athletes pioneering fashion in sports. “I was thinking about the history of track and Black women in track and how there have been so many stylish women in track and how they have made it a thing,” says Lovejoy. “I was thinking about comparing it to biking.” Other standouts include Chavez, who opted for a vintage Polo Sport cycling jersey and Irak X Adidas sneakers, and another biker named Joyce, who wore a stretchy black top with cut-outs and a pair of low-slung cargo pants.
All of that flashiness made heads turn. Lovejoy wanted the ride to attract attention and create a positive domino effect. “We passed a lot of young kids, and you never know who you will inspire when someone sees you,” says Lovejoy. “We don’t really realize it, but we are coming through super stylishly. We are laughing and playing music, and burning sage on the bike. When people see that, it looks cool. Now, when I see riders come through, it is really magical. That is one of the things that inspires me, too.” Lovejoy’s toughness is captivating. Halfway through the ride, she gave her friend her e-bike and switched to a regular Citibike. “I just do it because I believe in community,” says Lovejoy about the whole experience. “And the power of giving back.”
