Marley Blonsky (38) describes herself as a "fat adventure cyclist". With her non-profit organisation All Bodies on Bikes, she is committed to a cycling sport that is open to heavier people. In 2023, she was named one of the 50 most influential people in the cycling industry by US cycling journalists.
EMTB Magazine: Marley, how do you All Bodies on Bikes?
Marley Blonsky: There are plenty of people who weigh more and still want to get on their bikes. But many have self-doubts and ask themselves: Am I even allowed to do this? We show that you are not only allowed to, but that you should. Because it's simply the best thing to do.
How does it feel to be one of the most influential people in the bike industry?
Bizarre is probably the best way to put it. I'm definitely not a top athlete and I'm not a big name in the industry either. But the industry ultimately wants to grow, and there are quite a few of us. Those who approach the topic seriously and consistently will be successful. So my choice shows that cycling is evolving. It is opening up and becoming more inclusive. As a result, normal role models are becoming more important. Not people who achieve the unattainable for mere mortals. But people you can identify with.
About Marley Blonsky
Marley Blonsky (38) and co-founder Kailey Kornhauser rose to prominence in the cycling scene in 2021 with the short documentary "All Bodies on Bikes" produced by Shimano. Her fast-growing non-profit organisation is committed to the inclusion of people who do not conform to the athletic body ideal. Marley is from Dallas, but has lived in the MTB stronghold of Bentonville, Arkansas, for two years. www.allbodiesonbikes.com
You say you're not a top athlete. But you do some impressive things. Among other things, you have ridden the Unbound gravel race over the 100-mile distance several times.
But I'm not an extreme athlete. That's the thing: I think a lot of people can do it. You have to let go of the idea of competing and just do your thing. And I'm not just referring to overweight people. We limit ourselves far too much. I didn't think I could do it, but I rode at my own pace and it was sensational. Now I do two or three long-distance races a year. It shouldn't be about how you look or what time you have, but simply about the experience on the bike.
Another motivation for getting on the bike is often to lose weight. With you, on the other hand, weight loss is explicitly not an issue. Why is that?
It's not about perceiving your body as wrong. On the contrary. It's about the biking, the movement, the fun. What you see, what you feel, who you meet - there's nothing like it. It's much more about your head and your soul than your body. Although, of course, you automatically become fitter and healthier. But the fact that fat cyclist physically strong is probably a firmly rooted prejudice.
Do you still encounter this?
Yes, of course. Stigmatisation affects us all. If you walk into a bike shop as a fat person, it's automatically assumed that you're a beginner and that you certainly don't know anything about the subject.
Where else do challenges arise?
We have All Bodies on Bikes because we love cycling in all its colours and forms. But it was made so difficult for us from all sides to practise the sport. Also in terms of equipment. I'm small but heavy. Components kept breaking because the bikes in my size simply weren't robust enough. And then the search for clothing is really tedious.
Is that also the reason why you're in the All Bodies on Bikes-Shimano documentary partly in a dress bikepack?
I just couldn't find anything for years. Just looking for trousers with a seat pad was incredibly difficult. Many brands stop at size L for women and XL for men. When I found functional clothing that fitted me for the first time, it was like an epiphany. Ah, there are things that are functional, elasticated and breathable - they feel really good...
Does the industry now recognise the potential? It took a while for them to discover women and children for themselves.
Something is definitely happening, I can already tell. There are brands that once dipped their toe into oversize and then quickly withdrew it again. The reason given was "doesn't work". However, they treated the topic like a poor relation, were worried about promoting it and simply didn't give it time. But if you do that, you will be successful. This realisation is already sprouting here and there. But if anyone has any tips on oversized knee pads, please let me know.
Was it difficult for you to find sponsors?
No, not at all. I had offers from several bike brands.
How many wheels does a Marley Blonsky have?
Eight.
What are your favourite bikes?
I like it diverse. No, honestly, I cycle every day, I have a cargo bike, but I also want to try out everything in terms of sport. Mountain biking is very special to me. It challenges my mind because I work a lot on my riding technique. I'm extremely focussed and the progress I make is great for my self-confidence. But I'm also lucky that I have sensational trails on my doorstep.
And with an e-mountainbike, you can fit a lot of these trails into one session.
That's right, e-MTBs are simply incredible. In the USA there are still restrictions in some states, but here in Bentonville you see them everywhere. The e-MTB helps me to work on my riding technique because I can ride a route several times thanks to the motor and really get into it. You can just go for a quick one-hour ride or really be out and about all day. And the bike can be recharged when you stop for a bite to eat. And I like to stop off.
How is All Bodies on Bikes structured as an association?
We are literally opening up new dependencies all the time. Across the USA, we have 13 Chapters. There are All Bodies on Bikes-Representatives who organise all kinds of rides. Cruising through the city, trail biking, long rides - anything and everything.
But still limited to the USA?
Yes, although we have already had many enquiries, including from Europe. Norway, Spain, Germany. But we've only been around for a few years and we want to grow sustainably and with a good foundation. Although it couldn't go fast enough for me...
The reactions seem to be consistently positive. Are you still experiencing headwinds?
Oh yes. There are definitely comments under my posts like "that poor bike". I've also been called a whale by bikers. Unfortunately, things like that resonate for a long time.
However, you inspire and enthuse many more people. Can the bike change the world?
100 %. It has changed my world. It can bring people together, change cities, protect the climate. The bike is not just a toy, it's a tool. It has endless possibilities.
