Discover The Spirit of The Dusty Bandita
The Dusty Bandita is dedicated to amplifying the presence of women-identifying cyclists in the male-dominated sport of cycling, where women make up less than 25% of participants in many cycling events. We aim to bridge this gap by providing a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where women+ can build confidence, push personal limits, and connect with a supportive community.
Through our events, we strive to dismantle the barriers that have traditionally kept women+ underrepresented in cycling. We offer opportunities to explore breathtaking landscapes while fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie both on and off the bike.
Representation matters, and increasing diversity in cycling inspires more women+ to join, creating a ripple effect of empowerment, resilience, and connection in a sport that thrives on community. Together, we’re redefining what belonging in the cycling world means.
Dusty: Gravel riding leaves you dusty, gritty, and covered in dirt—dust in your teeth, ears, and hair, with plenty of bike baths afterward! The name captures the messy, rugged joy of the ride.
Bandita: This word carries rich meanings—"together" in Hindi and "little band" or adventure in Spanish. It embodies grit, confidence, and perseverance, celebrating those who boldly chase passions while empowering others.
Together, The Dusty Bandita stands for adventure, connection, and breaking barriers!
Meet the Team
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BRIANNA (BRI) LUI
FOUNDER
Pre-Race or Big Ride Breakfast:
Avocado and eggs on toast, coffee and musicRide Fuel:
I usually have to be reminded to eat and wonder why I’m bonking… Gummy bears or sour patch watermelons, yummy hydration so I don’t cramp; cookies. Please nothing with jelly, including PB&J… I’d rather eat a pine cone. If you’ve never met someone who doesn’t like PB&J and jelly, “hi!”Post-Ride Snack:
Crave salty and bubbly… So anything related to that - chips, sandwich, beer, bubbly waterMantra When Digging Deep:
Hammer! (like Thor). Also, I start singing Xmas music… it just happens. I can’t control it. -
JENNA TOMIELLO
RACE DIRECTOR
MT ALPHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTORPre-Race or Big Ride Breakfast:
Oatmeal, blueberries, banana, coffee. Always.Ride Fuel:
PICKLESPost-Ride Snack:
Wally & Buck’s veggie burger and fries, or a Dram Shop beer (ideally, both)Mantra When Digging Deep:
Whatever song is in my head… -
Meghann Schroeder
CO-RACE DIRECTOR
Pre-Race or Big Ride Breakfast:
Chocolate chip pancakes slathered in peanut butter!Ride Fuel:
If it’s a fun, long, group ride, I'll go with a burrito. If it's a race or a grueling training ride, I'm really into Honey Stingers' waffles and any sort of fig bar. I also love any sort of gummy treat!Post-Ride Snack:
Burritos! I'm pretty sure I could eat a burrito for every meal...Mantra When Digging Deep:
Sometimes I count to 10 and repeat until the pain is over. Or I start thinking about all the food I can eat after!
sierra pete
DESIGNER OF THE DUSTY BANDITA ILLUSTRATION
Sierra is a member of the Navajo Nation but considers herself a local Montanan. She currently resides in Pennsylvania and is finishing up a Master’s degree in Biology, studying birds. Although science is her current focus, Sierra has a B.F.A in ceramics and has always been an artist in drawing, painting, and sculpture.
She has been a fabric artist for 14 years, sewing elaborate original designs on powwow dance outfits for herself, and to sell. She is a competitive women’s fancy shawl dancer and has traveled extensively throughout the greater Western states and performed in Austria and southern Italy.
Sierra has a passion for movement and adventure and spends much of her spare time gravel biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, trail running, and identifying birds and amphibians.
