Introducing: Alisha Zellner

Welcome to CCC introduces, our series spotlighting the incredible contributors who give their time and energy to Cycling Culture Club.

Today, we chat to Alisha Zellner, Community Specialist at SRAM, and Director of Communication for Ride for Racial Justice.

Words: Alisha Zellner

Photos: SRAM

Socials:

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a Colorado Springs native with a passion for people, community, and big challenges. I earned a double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from CSU (Go Rams!) along with Master’s degrees in Justice Policy and Social Work. After five years working as a mental health counsellor and eight years in law enforcement, I now work as a Community Specialist at SRAM.

Outside of work, I’m always chasing adventure. I’ve climbed seven 14,000-foot mountains (Colorado has 54), completed more than 40 run races, including the Athens Marathon, two Ragnar relays, three sprint triathlons, a 250-mile Police Unity Tour bike ride, and 280-mile 1928 Legacy Tour bike ride. I even played semi-professional full-contact football. In 2020, I founded Bike Ride for Black Lives, and I’m also a League Cycling Instructor. I believe in living life E.P.I.C., and just for fun, I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.

What do you love about cycling:

It saved my life. Working within the community through cycling helped me rediscover joy after a very dark chapter. Riding became far more than simply getting from one place to another; it became a source of healing and a way to keep moving forward. The bike supported my recovery in every sense, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and that renewed sense of clarity began to transform how I viewed my future and the ways I could continue serving others.

What barriers have you faced in cycling:

The biggest barrier for me has been size inclusivity. Finding bikes with higher weight capacities and cycling apparel that fits my body has been a challenge. I’m 6 ft (183 cm) tall and about 290 lbs (132 kg), so I need bikes across the spectrum (road, gravel, and mountain) that can comfortably support a larger rider, along with any gear or cargo I’m carrying.

Clothing has been just as difficult. As someone who is both tall and has a larger frame, it’s hard to find cycling kits that fit my long torso, long legs, and overall build. Many options simply aren’t designed with bodies like mine in mind. I often end up wearing men’s kits, which means the chamois isn’t designed for my anatomy, creating another layer of discomfort and limitation.

Why were you interested in contributing:

I’m interested in contributing because I believe it’s a meaningful way to connect with others who care deeply about cycling and about making the space welcoming for everyone. Many of the programs I work with each day are part of the CCC community, and it matters to me that people know I’m genuinely invested and willing to support in whatever ways I can.

For me, learning comes not only from being present and participating, but also from sharing the work I’m doing to support and grow the cycling community. I believe trust grows when people see that your care and commitment show up in different ways, through listening, showing up, and doing the work alongside others. My hope is to contribute in a way that reflects that care and helps strengthen the sense of community we’re all building together. 

If you're comfortable, tell us about your personal experience of diversity in cycling:

Honestly, my earliest experiences with cycling made me realise how little diversity was reflected in the sport’s media. For a long time, I rarely saw people who looked like me or whose experiences felt relatable.

Today, I’m proud to work alongside some of the most diverse community cycling organisations around the world. Through those relationships, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of culture and how different perspectives and lived experiences shape each organisation in unique ways.

Your fondest memory on the bike:

I still think about riding my bike through Amsterdam in 2011. It was my first international trip, and I remember being completely blown away by the bike infrastructure in the Netherlands. Bikes weren’t just for recreation there, they were a part of everyday life.

My friend and I decided that if we wanted to experience the city the way locals did, we should do it by bike. We found a small shop, rented two bikes for the length of our trip, and spent our days riding along the canals and through neighbourhoods, stopping whenever something caught our eye. We saw so much more of the city because we were able to move through it so easily.

I’ve never had more fun exploring a place than I did on those bikes, and that trip stuck with me. Ever since then, I try to choose the bike whenever I can.

Where are from: 

Colorado Springs, CO

Where do you live:

Aurora, CO

Are you part of a Club/team: 

Director of Community Engagement for Ride for Racial Justice 

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Do you want to explore more inspirational stories? Check out all of our contributor bios here