Our Tuesday ambassadors and guides.

Our Mardis Elles ambassadors.

At Cartel, we definitely don't want our cycling to be a boys' club.

At the same time, we know that for many women, it can be intimidating to join a group made up mostly of guys, many of whom are competing to push hard and go fast. Especially since there are sometimes riders in the group who are super fit amateurs and used to riding at high speeds. It's not easy when you don't have the strength or experience... And you don't want to be the one all the guys are waiting for.

That's why, since our inception, we've been organizing 100% women's activities.

This year, we're launching Mardis Elles. rides women, led by two cycling enthusiasts, in Quebec City and Montreal.

Here are the women who will guide you to your destination so that you finish your Ride a smile on your face and pride in your eyes. We don't know about you, but we love them. And after reading what they have to say here, we bet you will too.

Karen

My name is Karen, I'm 23 years old, I'm a trainer at Agkin (right next to Le Cartel), and if I had to describe myself in three words, I would say: authentic, sociable, and a team player. I'm a positive leader who isn't afraid to let loose when I'm in good company. So I'm really proud to be part of the amazing Cartel team this year.
Cycling gives me unique adventures, strong emotions, and allows me to constantly step outside my comfort zone. Every year, I want to surpass myself and go further than before.

Why ride with other women? To share our accomplishments, inspire each other, and push ourselves to become better cyclists together. We care about every Women , without any pressure.
I want to share my love of cycling to encourage even more women to discover what this sport I adore can offer them. Together, we push our limits. Why not go further? Go faster? Become more resilient? I want to encourage women to experience all kinds of emotions and learn to love them, even the negative ones. Cycling is about climbing hills and riding down them, it's about challenges, small and big victories, frustrations that are much easier to deal with when you have support. And that's how you get good at it!

For all the women who don't feel up to the task, who fear ending up rides : know that we all go through this, and that the only way to overcome this fear—and lack of confidence—is to believe in yourself and come live the experience with an inclusive group like ours.

Laurie

Hi there! My name is Laurie, Loulou, or Lou (she/her). I'm 24 years old and I live in Montreal. When I'm not on my bike, I'm somewhere sunny with my friends enjoying a glass of funky wine, with my nose in a book, or designing dream spaces. But the truth is, I'm pretty much always on my bike. Commuting, quick spins, long Ride any excuse will do.

Cycling has held a special place in my daily life and in my heart for several years now. My goal in joining the Vélo Cartel team is to help make cycling more accessible in Montreal, both for women who already enjoy it and for those who want to get started. Everyone has what it takes to make it their favorite sport and join our group of cyclists.

For me, cycling means meeting wonderful people, enjoying the sunshine, drinking lots of coffee, discovering magnificent landscapes, pushing our limits together and, above all, eating lots of little flies (with sweet snacks to help them go down!).

It is truly an honor for me to represent Cartel in Montreal and promote women's cycling by sharing my passion. A ride for us, by us, and among us women. A safe space without pressure, where we can encourage, accept, and celebrate each of our victories together. The small ones, the big ones, and everything in between. 💛