ANNA BULBROOK
Words & Images by Dominique Powers
Anna Bulbrook got her first bike in January of 2022, so though we’ve been rock climbing friends for months we’re only now taking our friendship to the next level. She describes herself as a cultural curator and former violinist in bands you might have heard of. We’re meeting up for our first bike ride together when she tells me the story of how this bike came into her life.
“I went deep into endurance sports over the last two years, first with ultramarathoning, then ocean swimming. I went far enough that my triathlete and cyclist friends kept asking me when I was going to do the logical thing and get a bike. So, naturally, I made a big stink about resisting. I said I was on "bike strike." And then one day, my oldest friend called in distress. Her mother Rhonda was gravely ill, and didn't have much time left. When she passed, my friend gave me Rhonda's bicycle — this bicycle — which means the world to me because it reminds me of my second mom, who was one of the fiercest women I know. However, this also means that I ride an actual grandma's bike. As someone with a healthy sense of vanity, the humor is not lost on me.”
This story is one part of a series by Dominique Powers called Community. Dominique is a renowned photographer in the cycling industry who has a special ability to capture personalities in her stunning portraits. She is based in Los Angeles and connects to her community through the bike. We invited Dominque to introduce us to interesting people she meets during her rides in Los Angeles and travels to gravel events. Community captures people who are living the same ethos as Flashpoint MVMNT: staying positive and having fun while making the bike community more welcoming and inclusive to everybody. We look forward to meeting the people she introduces us to through Community.