Volunteer Spotlight: Aura

May 17, 2020 – Story:  Jason H.

As May is Bike Month, it is a perfect time to spotlight Aura Roseberry, a volunteer Cycling Instructor at Bike Walk Wichita (BWW). Aura began cycling in her mid-30s after not having ridden a bike for 20 years. She started riding her husband’s old bike to ride around the local bike paths for exercise, but wanted exercise that didn’t feel like a chore. As she explains, “I enjoyed it, and I did that for a few years until in 2015 I completed my first 50K in an organized ride. I loved it, and I wanted more!”

Aura bought her first road bike, and in 2016 took BWW’s first Long Distance Cycling course. “I learned about riding in groups, nutrition, hydration, and that I was capable of far more than I thought I was.” She pursued more education, and took the Safer City Cycling course. “It was a game changer and my confidence in riding in traffic and handling my bicycle increased enormously.” She was with the first group of people at BWW to get her League Cycling Instructor certification in August 2017. Ever since, Aura has been helping leading Bike Walk Wichita’s road cycling classes.

With the recent social distancing, Aura took on the challenge of creating a new virtual version of BWW’s Bike Commuting class. Aura’s flexibility in adapting this class in a short period of time was instrumental in the success of the class. The class is vital now more than ever, as more people are riding a bike for transportation and physical recreation right now. The class was well attended and the recording is available online for free.

“Cycling has really enriched my life. I’ve made so many friends through group rides, events and classes. There’s always room for improvement and to learn more, so it’s pushed me to get better—to be a better rider and a better person overall. I really love road riding, and when I’m out on a ride there generally isn’t any other place I’d rather be. I know I might complain on the days I’m riding up hill after hill in a headwind, but I’d still rather be out there on my bike in those conditions than anywhere else.” 

In 2019, Aura rode 3,200 miles. Her goal was going to be 3,500 miles for 2020, but in light of the state of things this year, she is not going to hold herself to a number. “My goal at this point is to have fun riding and use it to keep my sanity”. 

We appreciate all the inspiring work Aura has done, she continues to be a vital member to our team!

– Story by: Jason H.

You can find local bike education classes here.