SHIPROCK – Echoes of conversation were heard as cyclists paused after driving to the base of Shiprock Summit.
They gathered on November 26th during Ride to the Rock, a fitness activity organized by Strong Warriors and NavajoYES to celebrate health and wellbeing and to honor Native American Heritage Month.
When they resumed their voyage, some descended from the base and then continued on nearby trails.
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This exploration was one of the reasons the activity took place at the summit. The other reason was to bring families and community members together through fitness.
“For me, it’s a positive experience and memory that will encourage you to want to keep going,” said Toqua Ticeahkie, founder of Strong Warriors.
Strong Warriors has been running community fitness events in indigenous communities since 2010 – starting in Oklahoma, then moving to the Navajo Nation when Ticeahkie started working at the Four Corners Regional Health Center in Red Mesa, Arizona.
Ride to the Rock was the first Strong Warriors event since the coronavirus pandemic began.
About 50 drivers were on site when the event started after 10am. The drivers consisted of all age groups, from intermediate to advanced driving skills.
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Shane Rakestraw covered 10.3 miles including the trail that circled the rock formation.
“The ride was fantastic. It was beautiful,” said Rakestraw.
The event was supported by NavajoYES and its Diné Bike Project, whose staff offered bike repairs, distributed trail guides to locations on the tribal land and answered questions about the summit route.
Diné Bike Project coordinator Aaron Beauford said that during the pandemic, people turned to nature to stay active, and Ride to the Rock builds on that, providing space for people to gather together safely.
“I think this is a great way to bring people back together,” said Beauford.
Rygie Bekay, a collaborator on the NavajoYES program, said it can be costly for families to participate in border town activities. Hence, an event like this brings fitness to the local level.
“Cycling isn’t here, it’s everywhere,” said Bekay.
Diana Yellow rode to the summit with family members.
She said what caught the interest “was the activity, biking, being outside and seeing Shiprock,” said Yellow.
She lives in Fruita, Colorado and visits her family in the area.
Out of town and not having a bike, she borrowed one from Strong Warriors who had several adult and child bikes for the ride.
Yellow said the ride inspired her to consider buying a bike when she gets home.
“I loved trying to climb a hill and work my legs – challenge myself,” she said, adding that she was telling herself she could do the route.
Noel Lyn Smith reports on the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636 or by email at nsmith@daily-times.com.
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