"Breaking the Cycle" – A Ride for Mental Health & Community Healing Hosted by Level One Fitness & The L1 Foundation

Administrator L1 Foundation
14 minutes ago
2 min read

On Saturday, May 10th, community members came together for the Break the Cycle: Mental Health Awareness Bike Ride—an inspiring afternoon of purpose, movement, and mental wellness.

With 56 participants and $949 raised, the energy was undeniable. From first-time riders to longtime supporters, everyone came with one mission: to ride in support of mental health, reduce stigma, and foster community healing.

A Moment of Reflection Before the Ride

The event kicked off at Level One Fitness with a special pre-ride message from Zamaria Venzant, LPC, Clinical Director of Embracing Minds Counseling. Zamaria spoke to the importance of mental wellness, particularly within communities of color, and encouraged riders to embrace vulnerability, healing, and growth as they took on the miles ahead.

The Ride

Riders departed at 12:30 PM, dressed in green for Mental Health Awareness Month, pedaling through Houston with purpose. After a quick hydration stop, the ride continued to The Liv’n Room for a midpoint break and wellness check-in. Riders recharged, connected, and prepared for the final stretch back to the gym, where more refreshments were waiting.

Midpoint Stop & Conversations at The Liv’n Room

At the midpoint stop, riders gathered at The Liv’n Room for reflection, connection, and impactful conversation. Guest speaker Dr. Monique Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Bread of Life, Inc., shared how the organization’s behavioral and mental health services—originally reserved for the most vulnerable—are now accessible to the broader community as of April 2025. Her message emphasized access, compassion, and community-driven care.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

A special thank you to Dr. Leeshe N. Grimes, Psychotherapist, Founder of Elevated Minds, and Co-Founder of The Good in Me. She generously sponsored 4 bike rentals and 4 self-care giveaway boxes, which were raffled off to participants during the event. Her dedication to intentional self-care and wellness elevated the experience for everyone involved.

Why This Ride Matters

This wasn’t just a bike ride—it was a healing experience. It reminded us that mental health is community work, and that real change happens when we show up, speak out, and support one another. From Zamaria’s empowering opening to Dr. Williams’ call for equitable care, every moment reinforced our mission to break the cycle of silence, stigma, and inaccessibility around mental wellness.