Name/location/discipline

Kristina/Malmö/Fixed gear

What does riding mean to you?

Riding is my everyday life. As a bike messenger – I make my living by riding. I commute almost everywhere by bike and this gives me loads of independence from public transport systems. In the rare cases that I actually walk, I feel weird and slow.

Riding means power. Power to give a positive example and do my fair share of environmentalism. I especially enjoy riding in traffic jams and filtering through cars. It gives me huge satisfaction knowing that car drivers are probably secretly jealous of my ability to move much quicker than them. At the same time I am hoping that they will sooner or later take the decision to leave the car in the garage and get on their own bikes instead to gain the same freedom of movement they saw in me.

Whenever my soul empties because of the urban environment, I take a ride out of the city and I recharge really quickly. Cycling helps me escape all devices that steal my attention from the real world. It is the time to be fully and truly with myself.

Cycling has the ability to intensify my emotions (maybe because all distractions are put aside) and it is then when I can feel that joy of being alive, exploding in my whole body. But sometimes it can be scary.

If I am going through a difficult period of my life, getting on my bike means that I will face my deepest fears and I will have to do it all alone. It is beautiful how simply the motion of pushing pedals can bring you so many different experiences and feelings, depending on your needs and surroundings.

What is your favourite set up?

Two wheels and a frame is my favourite. If it rolls – then it is perfect. I usually ride my fixie and I truly appreciate when the pedals push my feet instead of the opposite. That bike is a true friend sharing the effort and always makes me feel snippity snap. 

When I feel like a grown up, I do enjoy the Omnium cargo and especially the fact that I can give rides to my beloved ones. 

Do you think the environment is male dominated?

I think the environment is human dominated. The community here in Malmo is so extremely welcoming to every living and breathing creature on a bicycle so not for a moment have I felt any special treatment for the fact that I am a girl on a bicycle.

Everyone is really supportive, friendly and happy when new people join the community so gender absolutely does not factor in. Basically, ‘the more the merrier’ is above everything else.

Any riding plans for the future?

All of the grand ones – going through Europe – from Scandinavia to the Balkans; cycling to the Arctic circle etc. But these are more like – one day, when I have the time. As of now, I don’t plan anything but a few days ahead, which leaves a lot of space for being spontaneous and go with the flow. The usual pattern is to check out the weather forecast and follow the direction of the wind:) No joke – aways a winning strategy!

Ride like a girl is a series of interviews with WTF (women *trans femme) riders from around the world. If you would like to be contributed drop us an email.