Saara Snow

The Cycle of Fear

Jun 9, 2020
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It was my first time traveling to a new place to bikepack. I'd only known Saara for five months, but we'd bonded quickly and I trusted her. Having lived in Montana for several years, she was serving as my guide on this trip in many ways.

What I didn’t realize, however, was how a history of fear and exclusion would leave me unprepared for what was to come, regardless of having a personal tour guide.

The first day we planned to ride 38 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. I thought, no problem, I've done this a ton in Atlanta. We started the day later than planned but rolled out of Missoula in the afternoon, post-lunch. The first several miles were a breeze, meaning that we snacked, stopped whenever we wanted, took photos, and enjoyed the sun’s warmth. I took in the scenery all at once, and my fully loaded, borrowed bike didn't feel nearly as heavy as it looked.

Saara and Devin take a selfie
Saara and Devin met at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., and quickly became friends.
Devin Cowens

We stopped at a gas station around mile 17 to get more water and rest for a bit. The mountains were breathtaking. It was my first time in Montana, and I wanted to take stock of every sight, sound, smell, and feeling I experienced.

I was feeling all of the joy that brought me to bikes in the first place: the freeing feeling of existence, being present, gratitude for my body and this earth, using my legs to power this vessel, and having it carry me to new places. Learning about myself on the bike and learning what I’m capable of are of such value to me. 

We continued on from Frenchtown and headed into the mountains proper. I later learned that this part of Montana, at its valley floor, is 3,200 feet above sea level, and where I live is at 1,050 feet. 

We began climbing a loose gravel road, encountering switchback after switchback, while making our way to the mountain pass. I was breathing heavily, trying to keep up with Saara, and now slightly annoyed that I packed so much on the bike (even with Saara carrying most, if not all, of the food). We walked our bikes in a few places, and it felt like the uphill was never-ending. 

On this one particular hill, I was digging deep and lost in my thoughts when Saara mentioned how to use bear spray. Trying to focus on a lesson in bear spray technique while slowly climbing with a fully loaded bike while controlling your breathing and ignoring the pain in your muscles? File that under the top five hardest things I've ever done. I managed to hear that bear spray works like mace, and then I asked, "What happens if you run out? And does the bear actually run away after or … what's the next step?" Turns out, Saara's never had to use it (luckily?), and we kind of giggled (though mine was more of a laugh/cry) and both hoped for the best. 

Devin rides through Montana's stunning mountains.
Devin rides down a mountain pass into the Jocko Valley on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Saara Snow

Meanwhile, Saara began calling for bears, which I learned is a process of letting the bears know that you're in their territory by shouting a lot so that you don’t surprise them. It was an intense eight minutes. 

Then, as if we called one into existence, Saara said, "Oops, there's a grizz. Over on the next ridge," and I was like, "Oh shit, really? Is he close?" 

She calmly described the grizz's location. I continued to pedal but took a peek — he was moving along the pass but could have easily been mistaken as a tree trunk if he hadn’t been moving. I was scared. I tried to push the fear down and pay attention to every detail of what I was doing: right foot pedal, left foot pedal, oh shit big rock, avoid!, sweaty back, how much longer, deep breath. 

Things shifted at that moment. I became acutely aware of my body and laser-focused on only looking down and straight ahead. I felt my breathing get heavy. I tried to slow it down. The gravel and rocks beneath me were thick and chunky. Each pedal stroke got harder and the hill wouldn’t stop. I was sweating from heat and exhaustion, but my body felt cold. I was afraid. My thoughts raced around this idea of fear. 

What would I do if this animal approached us? Why did I make this decision to travel this far and to go into the woods with a new friend, an almost stranger? How come I’m not stronger, and why is climbing this hill so hard for me? Why didn’t I train more before this moment? Could we out-bike this bear if it came after us? I thought Saara could, but I wouldn’t be able to. Can you even out-bike a bear? How do I play dead if a bear approaches? 

As I contemplated all these questions, I stopped talking to Saara completely. This fear felt paralyzing, but I knew we had to keep going — we were chasing daylight and had a campsite reserved for the night. I had an inkling I’d be slowing us down if I needed to stop again and wanted to be finished cycling for the day. 

Devin reads at the picnic table while camping on her bikepacking trip in Montana
Preparing for a day of riding in Montana.
Saara Snow

I'm not sure how long the fear lasted, but it felt like an eternity. I made sure not to look back as I wanted to pretend the grizz didn't exist. Saara later commented that she noted how composed I seemed given what was going on but also recognized how quiet I got. Disclaimer: When I’m not chatty, something must be wrong. 

Later, in my tent that night, I was grateful for evening and prayed for no more grizzlies. As I reflected, I asked myself what I was afraid of and why; what was underneath it? 

As a black woman, fear of and in the outdoors is something I’ve meditated on for a few years. I didn’t grow up camping or being in the woods, and being outside consisted of playing team sports in school or running around the neighborhood. As I got more into cycling as an adult and began camping with friends, I started to reflect on my experiences in the outdoors, while simultaneously developing my identity in society. The outdoors has felt safe for me only when I am with other people, mainly white people. There is safety in knowing that, most often, white folks aren’t looked at twice when hiking or cycling in a group, or even when going solo. They are simply recreating. 

As I think about the history of this country, though perhaps not the history children are taught in school, I’m reminded of my ancestors and the ways in which land was taken from black and brown folks. I think about how the narrative was rewritten when colonizers dehumanized non-white people and staked their claim on the outdoors in the form of National Parks and public lands. Still, now, when I am in the outdoors, my existence is questioned; so many people turn their heads when they see me, this black woman, camping, cycling, hiking, or bikepacking. Why am I not allowed to recreate just like you? 

Devin overlooking a lake
Camping at Placid Lake State Park, Montana
Saara Snow

All of these compounding factors of fear brought on by generations of trauma on Black bodies in unwelcome spaces have separated me from nature. And it made me mad to realize that I couldn't appreciate it in the same way Saara could. She had always been allowed here and was therefore comfortable with it, even the bears. Maybe if I am given the same space to feel at ease, I too can experience nature and its bears with curiosity rather than debilitating trepidation.

My anger and my fear brought me back to a question I’m always asking: What role do I play in shifting the narrative and how others see black folks outdoors? 

I don’t have any answers. But I will continue to meditate on fear, my interaction with the outdoors, what it means to be a black woman outside, and what it’s going to take to change things; this is evidenced in history continually repeating itself. My ancestors gave me strength and resilience, and connection to my community will keep me fighting. 

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Comments

Devin Cowens June 23, 2020, 4:50 AM

Thank you all for your comments!

Chris@TTL June 22, 2020, 3:08 PM

Wow, that's a powerful story!

So many of the trails we ride were originally laid down by slaves here in Virginia, mostly as rail lines. It's always a reminder with the various placards and historical markers along the way of where (today's) beautiful trails came from.

Thank you for sharing.

Chris@TTL June 22, 2020, 3:18 PM

PS: Devin, do you have any thoughts about reminders like this that exist within our trail networks? I know we're going through a lot of turmoil on this subject in other areas of society.

Richard Teltschik June 21, 2020, 3:51 PM

Thank you for your touching story and for sharing your feelings and experience. It is important to me to understand how you feel. Please keep cycling and sharing the outdoor experience! It is so endlessly enriching. I got to know black bears in Shenandoah National Park, who are rather peaceful and either ignore you or run off scared. I'd be scared of a grizzly bear also since they can be much more aggressive. Let's fight the fear and the divisions together. Let's build communities of love and healing.

Brian June 15, 2020, 10:49 PM

Devin,

Such a well written article! I had never considered that experience, so thank you for sharing! It makes me happy to know you're out there riding!

Keep riding, keep writing!

Peppermint P June 15, 2020, 5:02 PM

Please keep sharing your story and the story of other Black and Brown people. Your narratives need to be heard. I'm always listening.

Nina Sabghir June 10, 2020, 6:59 PM

There are many groups that don't get out to camp or participate in the outdoors due to cultural or religious constraints. We often dress, eat and in other ways are different. And we can attract a lot of looks as well. Sadly, people of color are not the only targets of bigotry. There are many of us with generations (as in over 2000 years ) of fighting for survival. I have been fortunate to have been able to experience camping although not as a family thing. But now I bring my grand daughters. I hope they will develop a life long love for adventure. As to that bear? Yikes. Grizzlies are scary. Give your self some credit.

Marie June 10, 2020, 12:01 PM

This thought crossed my mind as I read: I'm about as white as they come (think 'aspirin in winter') but soul jarring fear of bears...I'm thinking that isn't just a social justice issue. I'd be praying / wondering what the h-e-double-hockey sticks I was doing out there in bear country too.

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