Aspire returns for its second edition this Saturday.
Hosted by Crankworx and the Grow Cycling Foundation, Aspire 2025 is set to unite riders, local organizers and brand leaders for a night of community building and discourse about representation in the world of biking.
This year's theme, "Building Authentic Partnerships with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and Other People of Colour) Organizations" will be explored by a panel featuring Sandy Ward of Indigenous Women Outdoors, April Katz from War Paint, Ruandy Albisurez of the Airow Project and Dirtbound's Annijke Wade. Eliot Jackson of Grow Cycling will moderate.
A second conversation moderated by Alisha Zellner will highlight Debora De Napoli from RIDE LAB as she discusses creating safe spaces in the outdoor industry, hosted by Alisha Zellner.
"Aspire is about shifting power, putting historically underrepresented voices at the centre of the conversation," said Jen Girardi, producer of Aspire and founder of Whistler agency Alto MM, in a press release. "It’s also about celebrating what’s possible when community and industry come together with intention. This is a call to action for the bike industry."
The evening also includes a guided networking session backed by Scandinave Spa Whistler and Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Attendees may enjoy refreshments from Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Athletic Brewing, along with prizes from brands like SRAM, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, POC, Crankbrothers and Velocio.
Aspire 2025 is scheduled for Aug. 9 between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). Find tickets here.
