Joy is the Engine: A Conversation with Marley Blonsky
We believe the bike is more than just a frame and two wheels. It’s a vehicle for community, a tool for independence and, above all, a source of unbridled joy. No one embodies this spirit quite like Cycle Oregon board member, Marley Blonsky.
Beyond her work on the Cycle Oregon board, Marley is a driving force for inclusivity on a global scale. As the co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, she has spent years dismantling the stereotypes of what a cyclist is “supposed” to look like. Her work focuses on creating a world where every person, regardless of their size or ability, feels welcome and empowered to experience the world from the saddle. Whether she’s leading a group ride or consulting with major brands to improve gear accessibility, Marley’s mission is simple: ensure that the joy of riding is accessible to everyone, without exception.
Recently, the national cycling community took notice of what we’ve known for years: Marley’s enthusiasm is transformative. At the 2026 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., she was honored with the Susie Stephens Joyful Enthusiasm Award from the League of American Bicyclists. This prestigious award celebrates those who carry on Susie’s legacy of making biking accessible, practical and—you guessed it—joyful.
The Susie Stephens Joyful Enthusiasm Award commemorates one of the Alliance for Biking & Walking founders and an enduring inspiration for many members of the bicycle and pedestrian movement. The honor goes to an individual who carries on Susie’s passion for advocating for bicycling as a fun and economical means of transportation.
We caught up with Marley to discuss her early first 24-speed memories, the magic of “Glitter Watts” and how the Joyride experience creates a space for riders to find their own version of freedom.
Before the big summits and the national awards, what was the first bike that actually made you feel “joyful enthusiasm”?
Marley: For my tenth birthday, I was given my first bike with gears. It was a Magna from Toys-R-Us and truly the coolest bike in the world. I rode it to school everyday and was so proud to have a bike with 24 speeds!
What’s one piece of “gear” you carry, a charm or a fun accessory, that has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with making you smile?
Marley: I recently got a bright pink, lacy safety vest. Think construction worker + Victorian era lace. It makes me stupidly happy every time I wear it. After getting hit by a car in December, I want to be as visible as possible at all times. Hopefully this safety vest helps with that.
I’m also a big fan of glitter. Before every gravel race, I like to bring glitter to the start line and offer it to my fellow racers. I call it “Glitter Watts” and it’s a great way to break some of the nerves of being on a start line, and get people smiling.
Sometimes it is about the bike. What are the elements of the bike itself that appeal to you? Do you have an all-time favorite style of bike?
Marley: I’m super loyal to Shimano for all my drive trains, wheels, brakes, and shoes. Their stuff is super high quality and I love that they have something for every budget- and it all works well. I owe a big part of my success to the team at Shimano who was first interested in telling our story (the All Bodies on Bikes story) and opening the door to the bike industry.
As for types of bikes, I love them all. I have a soft spot for vintage steel frames, especially when they’re built up as a randonneuring or touring bike. I have dreams of long-distance tours (someday when I don’t need to worry about a job) and love the aesthetic of a fully outfitted touring bike – dynamo lights, handlebar bags and panniers. So much freedom in one tool.
The award you received celebrates “Joyful Enthusiasm.” How does that energy translate to the Joyride event in June?
Marley: Joyride to me is a weekend to get away; to get away from our day-to-day nonsense, to escape from the male gaze, and to reconnect with yourself, your bike, and your community.
For women and non-binary folk, there are few opportunities for unbridled joy, but the Cycle Oregon Joyride weekend is one. All of our home responsibilities are put on pause for a few days, and we just get to lean into joyful movement and connection. Whether it’s pushing yourself on a long gravel day, or riding the short course and relaxing with a massage back at camp, the choose-your-own adventure style programming allows everyone to find their own joy.
A big part of our mission is Jump Start and our kids’ programming. How can we use storytelling to make cycling feel like a tool for independence for a ten-year-old?
Marley: Kids riding bikes is the best thing in the world. I think most kids when they get on a bike are immediately drawn to the fun, the adventure, and the freedom that two wheels bring. Approaching cycling like a transformative tool – for transportation, freedom, or movement (as opposed to exercise/sport) is the way to go.
Follow Marley on Instagram: @marleyblonsky
Follow All Bodies On Bikes on Instagram: @allbodiesonbikes
Coming Up Next: The Friday Night Shakeout
The celebration doesn’t stop with the interview. To kick off the Joyride weekend (June 12-14), Marley is leading the Friday Night Shakeout Ride. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where we’ll dive into a special route feature to show you exactly why this social spin is the perfect welcome mat for the weekend ahead. Join Marley and the community in Pleasant Hill this June!
Registration for Joyride is open now