Video: A Tale of Inclusion, Bikes & Hand-Drawn Heroes in 'Becoming Ruby'

Apr 30, 2020
by Ed Spratt  

bigquotesA film about inclusion, identity and hand-drawn heroes. If you can’t find a hero, create your own; for mountain biker, skier and artist Brooklyn Bell, that hand-drawn hero was a comic character named Ruby J. Using Ruby as a role model, Brooklyn set out to “live like her, breathe like her, be unapologetically black like her,” finding her own identity in a mix of dirt, snow, art and inclusion.

Directed by Dave Mayers
Patagonia


Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
3,021 articles

58 Comments
  • 52 0
 I've been honored to watch Brooklyn grow as a rider and activist in Bellingham. She is incredibly well spoken, honest, humble, and warm. I've found her riding on the hill and always with a smile on her face and always so grateful to be out on her bike. What this video doesn't show is how hard she pushes herself to be the best she can be in sport. Brooklyn goes HARD on her bikes and skis because, to her, every day is an opportunity to learn and improve. Honestly, she is an incredible role model to everyone and I am really proud of what she's accomplished. She created Ruby, but watching her evolve into that persona is really cool to see.
  • 31 1
 Super well done video and an important narrative!

I remember my first summer in the Whistler bike community, how difficult it felt to be a part of the bike community at first. Obviously I was welcome at every event with two wheels, but it took a while before I really felt like part of the community. (Shoutouts to the Chromag crew and Mike Gamble for being homies off the bat!) That inherently takes time, and until it happens, it takes a lot of confidence that it will eventually happen. And that's as a white, straight male who has been mountain biking his whole life.

I can only imagine how much more difficult that would be if you don't have the confidence boost of having everything in common with the community that's already there. Awesome how you developed a tool to bolster that confidence Brooklyn, and grateful you're able to share it with others!
  • 9 0
 I wish I read this comment 14 years ago as a 15-year old. Patience goes a long way in feeling a part of a community. There are good people in whatever interest you're in to and if you are kind and stay true to yourself you'll connect with them eventually.

Also agreed this video has an important narrative and inclusivity and self-examination of our culture is an important conversation for the cycling/mountain biking community to have.

Also SO proud to see industry leaders create space to tell this story and also include a land acknowledgment in the video. Good job.
  • 26 1
 Great video. I've seen her on a video racing Trans Cascadia last year i think. Pretty hardcore shit right there. Big props to her.
  • 25 4
 Great portrait, great movie. That would be a good thing to see more and more diversity in outdoor activities in the coming years. Probably just a question of time..
  • 20 4
 Such a cool and important flick. Highly recommended.
  • 12 1
 What a breath of fresh air! Beautifully filmed and edited too.
It's so comforting to think it's 2020 and we are all past this. While there is a clear divide across the Atlantic (seeing this from the Alps), it's a great reminder that the bike (and ski) industry as whole is not very inclusive for our riding diversities.
Thanks Brooklyn for sharing this moment and also Patagonia for the production.
  • 9 0
 Amazing story!! Your strength is incredibly inspiring to me. And your connection to Ruby is beautiful and brilliant. I love that. I wanted to say that it warmed my heart to hear you mention queer inclusiveness. I've never heard someone in the mountain bike community mention that in the 10 years I've been in the sport. But knowing there's people out there like you gives me hope that I can be queer and be a mountain biker too!
  • 13 0
 Great vid. Go Ruby Go!
  • 8 0
 The topics she talks about always play in my head when partaking Mtb community. Luckily my passion usually overcomes my anxiety and social fears. Keeps me hitting the trails even though I rarely see people of color on the trail. See ya on the trail
  • 10 0
 Heck yeah, Brooklyn! This was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
  • 6 0
 Thank you for sharing Brooklyn. It is apparent you already have a ton of courage and strength. I am hopeful that it continues to flourish for you going forward. Keep inspiring, keep shredding.
  • 3 0
 Really loved this video! As an Indian origin mountain biker riding in the UK this really struck a chord with me. It can be very isolating usually being the only brown face riding and racing. Mountain biking is such a great sport so lets hope more more diversity which brings more talent in and more awesome mountain bikers out there. Thanks for sharing Brooklyn - I can imagine it was difficult opening up about how you were feeling about our great sport. So inspiring for me - thank you. Come ride in the UK sometime - lots of sick trails
  • 6 0
 Awesome portrait of a pretty rad seeming human, I really enjoyed watching this. Also, you've got some pretty sweet art!
  • 6 0
 Patagonia kills it with the mountain bike videos honestly
  • 1 0
 They've put a lot of resources into it lately. And into their newest products. I remember when they launched some MTB clothing 4 years back, it was pretty laughable. Now is not then.
  • 2 0
 Such a shame we are still watching/reading about stories like Brooklyn,s. I see a nice lady who rides just like me.
Yep i see a lady of colour, who is pretty, well spoken, real smart who is comfortable in herself. you go girl!
  • 3 2
 This is a Really great peace of art!! Thoroughly enjoyed hearing your words, seeing your landscape and learning a new perspective in life, culture and mountain biking. Keep shredding!! Thank you!
  • 3 0
 That was inspirational, thank you. We all benefit by including and encouraging people who are different from us.
  • 2 0
 That captured a lot the same thoughts I have had throughout my riding years. Thank you for telling your story and sharing.
  • 2 0
 Yes Brooklyn! Rad video. Stoked to see local faces and places on the big screen! Can't wait for what is next.
  • 2 0
 Ya Brooklyn! Hope to ride with you again, TC last year was epic and the crew I rode with is what made it so epic!
  • 2 0
 Not gonna lie!!!! Moving to Bellingham was the best decision I have ever made.
  • 3 0
 really enjoyed this video
  • 7 9
 Guess we are just more lucky in Colorado than others. I know some females of color that are rippers and they are included in everything, one is even heavy into organizing event and is a leader in the community . Move to Colorado, they even play rap music at races out here.
  • 13 16
 So all POC like rap music?
  • 10 1
 @mtbgeartech: did you watch the video? She brought up that she wanted to hear rap instead of metal...... Maybe pay attention a touch to what people are saying.
  • 2 0
 Amazing! Ruby has to come and ride in PERU!!!
  • 2 0
 Amazing story. I loved this. Way to go Brooklyn!
  • 3 0
 Cool video.
  • 3 0
 Cool video!
  • 3 0
 Love!
  • 1 0
 Inspiring woman ! :-0

Refreshing video !
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