Photo: National Geographic
Shannon Galpin is one hell of an adventurer. Not quite satisfied with merely breaking individual barriers, the 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year decided to break cultural barriers by setting out on a mission to encourage or inspire women to bike in a country that forbids it, thereby empowering the historically oppressed women. And now she has published a book as well as a three-part video series on her emotional experiences abroad.
Before proceeding, let me clarify one important distinction: in Afghanistan (where Shannon found herself), it is not unlawful to ride a bicycle, simply “immoral,” at least in the eyes of the ever-present society. Women who do bike are verbally and physically abused. And they’re not the only ones to receive such maltreatment; their families are similarly insulted as well.
So, knowing this, Shannon decided that the first step towards empowering women would be to give them the strength to defy centuries of downtrodden existence. And in empowering by way of pedal, she is in good company. On Beyond the Edge, the National Geographic Adventure Blog, Emily Nuchols introduces Shannon and her cause with a seemingly timeless quote from none other than Susan B. Anthony. “The bicycle has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.”
Photo: National Geographic
“After five years of mountain biking in Afghanistan,”Shannon goes on to tell Nuchols, “it’s amazing to see Afghan girls starting to ride for the first time in their country’s history. Even more amazing is seeing how the global cycling community is coming together to ride bikes in solidarity with these young women that dare to ride. The bike was an integral part of the the American, English, and French women’s rights movement and these young Afghan women are pedaling a revolution of their own, our job is simply to support and encourage them!”
Photo: National Geographic
Basically, upon discovering the extent of these rampant inequalities halfway around the world, Shannon sold her house and launched a nonprofit, Mountain2Mountain, with the main goal of advancing both education and opportunity for females. She began her pursuit of this goal in Afghanistan.
From these experiences, which include being the first woman to ride a mountain bike in the country, she penned a memoir, Mountain to Mountain, which shed light on the harrowing yet exhilarating ride through the war-torn nation.
Photo: National Geographic
Additionally, she compiled a visual journal of sorts that touch on each major component of the trip, from gearing up…
…to finding a team…
…to the endgame so to speak of inspiring girls to ride.
When all is read and watched, there is no hesitation in saying that Shannon is the type of adventurer we absolutely need more of.
Photo: National Geographic
