“Watch me!”
It’s more than a defiant phrase—it’s a rallying cry. A powerful declaration, and when women rise in the face of adversity and opposition, it only strengthens their resolve. In the state of Arkansas, this adversity has manifested over generations into a mountain of disparaging women’s health statistics. And while state-level efforts have begun addressing these issues from the top down, one women’s group in Northwest Arkansas is building momentum from the ground up.
A CULTURE SHIFT
Women of OZ [WOZ] emerged out of Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2019, to create a space where women could connect, grow, and reclaim confidence through shared experience. What started as a local meetup has since evolved into a commanding non-profit with civic influence and a culture-shifting movement rooted in community.
Each month, WOZ offers free flagship events designed to connect women of all backgrounds and abilities. They gather to learn, share skills, and build bonds that extend well beyond a single Saturday.
For WOZ Director of Operations, Sarah Drew, the group gave her a sense of belonging in a new community. “When we moved to NWA, I struggled to find my place. That changed after my first WOZ event,” she says. “I leaned in and found my own path.”
The shift is real. Arkansas women are showing up, taking charge, and finding their fire while fanning it in others.
The catalyst for WOZ? An uncommon tool for a women’s group…a bike.
“What began as a few of us trying to make mountain biking feel more accessible has become a movement rooted in courage, community, and connection,” says WOZ Board Advisor, Kourtney Barrett.
Their initiatives have sparked activation throughout Northwest Arkansas, motivating families to move together and for community leaders to recognize the broad influence women have, both on recreation and the wellness economy. In short, WOZ demonstrates that when you mobilize women, you mobilize the entire community.
“Bikes were always my husband’s thing,” Drew added. “Now, I’m a co-leader of my husband’s Mountain Bike Skills Clinic; we’re building a life and career that we truly share.”
Drew’s story isn’t uncommon. Historically, cycling has been a male-dominated activity, but the work WOZ is doing to eliminate obstacles and create equity for women in the sport is inspiring countless others to start their own ride clubs and participate in local race events.
“A number of outstanding organizations throughout America do the hard work of delivering local programs to bring down barriers of intimidation to the sport – but none has made a bigger impact than Women of OZ,” said Brendan Quirk, CEO & President of USA Cycling [USAC].
Collaborating with other industry voices, including USAC Olympic silver medalist Haley Batten, is one of many reasons WOZ has had such a measurable impact in its community. According to a University of Arkansas study funded by the Walmart Family Foundation, 39.2 percent of cyclists in NWA are women, which is nearly ten percent above the national average.
“By creating a space for women in mountain biking, they’re helping more Arkansans access the physical and mental benefits of being active outdoors,” said Katherine Andrews, director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Women of OZ is a standout example of how outdoor recreation can support women’s health and well-being.”
INFLUENCING POLICY
Six years ago, a small group of gals from different parts of the country—with different backgrounds and biking experiences—pooled their strengths and mutual determination to bridge gaps for women in cycling and improve the quality of life for others like them in NWA. Today, the women behind WOZ have become recognized leaders across the state, earning respect from local officials, industry partners, and major employers like Walmart.
“There’s a powerful throughline between what we built at WOZ and the work I do now,” shared Ashley Patterson, WOZ board member and Walmart’s Move Hub manager. “Both are about lowering barriers, building confidence, and shifting culture through joyful movement.”
“My experience with WOZ added fuel to the work I do now at Velocity NWA, consulting for Walmart on alternative mobility and behavior change,” Barrett added. “It showed me firsthand the power of shifting culture, creating access, and building systems that invite more people in.”
As the Chair Commissioner for the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council [ANCRC], and Chair of the City of Bentonville Parks and Recreation Board, WOZ Board Chairwoman, Allyson de la Houssaye, also attributes the opportunities she has today to her experience with WOZ. “Everything I get to do today was born out of that organization,” she shared. “I think the ANCRC has great potential to influence outdoor recreation, which can create long-lasting health impacts for women and their families.”
De La Houssaye has become a true partner of the state, lending her skills in media production to support rebranding initiatives. Her short documentary, “The Arkansas Traverse,” recently premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival where it won an Audience Choice Award. The film highlights Arkansas’ natural beauty from the perspective of a men’s cycling group, while thoughtfully showcasing the state’s underserved areas. By merging her WOZ experience with her storytelling skills, De La Houssaye created a powerful tool for Arkansas tourism while elevating cycling as a force for community and change.
“I’ve worked with several WOZ founders on statewide initiatives,” Andrews added. “Their leadership and passion have helped shape the broader outdoor recreation movement in Arkansas.”
WOZ’s growing influence in Arkansas policymaking circles is a testament to the group’s community-based values. Using the bike as a tool, the organization is empowering women to reclaim their health through joyful movement and meaningful friendships. A testament to their authenticity, one WOZ founder’s story tested the strength and depth of these female friendships when she received a life-altering diagnosis.
“When we founded WOZ, we believed the bike could be a tool—not just for physical health, but for building community and connecting women,” shared WOZ Board Member, Lauren Pickman. “I didn’t realize just how vital that mission would become in my own life.”
In May 2020, at age 38, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pickman was diagnosed with breast cancer. The young wife and mother of two was devastated by the news, which was compounded by the emotional toll of the pandemic: long waits for lab results, the anxiety of entering hospitals and clinics alone, and the overwhelming isolation that came with the lockdown.
“It was, without question, the most frightening chapter of my life. Of course, I leaned on my immediate family, but what I hadn’t expected was the outpouring of support from the WOZ community.”
Pickman recalls how her WOZ “family” showed up, not just with kind words, but with action. “Meals, notes, check-ins, surprise gifts, and offers to help kept pouring in. These women helped me heal in ways that medicine and surgeries alone couldn’t.”
Coming out on the other side, Pickman co-created Rule of Three—a gritty, unpredictable, and downright fun bike race in Bentonville—and works with DRTY Brands and Velocity NWA to promote bikes as transportation through citywide programs.
“It all started with a simple idea: that bikes can bring people together. And in my case, that idea turned into something of a lifeline when I needed it most.”
ACTIVATING CHANGE MAKERS
With group rides and women’s events happening all across the country, what is it about WOZ that has its members in important rooms where decisions are made for Arkansas women? Their initiative, dedication, and sense of duty come from their love of community.
Notice how ‘Women of OZ’ doesn’t mention bikes in its name? The spirit of the organization comes from the who and where, not the what. The Women of OZ are the mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and girlfriends of Arkansas (Ozarks). They are a community-first organization that prioritizes its people and what they need most: each other.
Collectively, the Women of OZ are louder than their opposition. Unified, they are greater than the mountains they climb—figuratively and on two wheels. And together, they accomplish hard things, like changing the narrative for women in cycling and transforming women’s health in the state of Arkansas.
About Women of OZ
Women of OZ NWA is an Arkansas-based 501c non-profit bike club with the aim to get women on mountain bikes by breaking down the barriers. We focus on intimidation, education, and equipment. Your support goes towards stewarding the growth of female leaders in the outdoor space, AND directly contributes to WOZ Flagship Rides keeping on-the-bike programming FREE for all women who want to ride.
www.woznwa.com
P.O. Box 1466
Bentonville, AR 72712
