Bike Calendar Girl

The 14-month Minneapolis Presents 2011 calendar features local women who are active in various cycling-themed events and projects in the Twin Cities. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars to towards Grease Rag - a biweekly group ride and open workshop targeting female cyclists. The money will support the program, provide a modest stipend to female mechanics and help to increase the frequency of the workshops.*

Minneapolis Presents was conceived by a group of four women who love to bike and wanted to support programs that encourage and facilitate women's cycling.

"To promote cycling among women in our community, each of the producers has participated in cycling-based activities, such as organizing group rides, races and workshops in our community," said Minneapolis Presents coordinator Melody Hoffmann in a release. "We have not only learned more about bike maintenance, but also built community relationships through our participation in Grease Rag."

Encouraging women and transgender individuals to cycle is a prime objective of Grease Rag, said Hoffmann. The challenge is to break down stereotypes and create an "inclusive and supportive learning environment for those who might feel trivialized or unwelcome in a culture typically dominated by straight men."

Grease Rag Ride & Wrench has been "going strong for two years," said Hoffmann, largely thanks to a team of volunteers and support from local businesses. More support is needed, though, along with a larger space to reach as many women as possible.

The Minneapolis Presents calendar will feature images of female-identified cyclists. Including among them are leaders who organize diverse cycling events, such as the Bicycle Film Festival, the Babes in Bikeland and All-City Races, Art Crank and Minneapolis Bicycle Polo.

You can purchase calendars at various retail outlets as well as online.

* Corrections: Grease Rag targets WTF (women/ trans/ femme) cyclists and it has not been decided whether or not they will use the money towards a stipend for a WTF mechanic, although this option is on the table.