Petunia Mafia started with one main goal: “to empower, encourage, and educate women on the bike, all while sporting stylish covet-worthy kits.”
Whether you are there to race, get a workout in, or simply build community with like-minded women, Petunia Mafia creates space for it all. With over 400 women across all skill levels and cycling disciplines, the Colorado-based cycling team has built a strong and supportive community on and off the bike.
We talked with Mara Saunders – an experienced cyclist, a 4-year Petunia Mafia member, a first-year ride leader, and the owner of a Tune pop-top truck camper.
As someone who has been cycling since 2012, Mara was originally drawn to the group for one main reason.
“I always found myself cycling with mostly men. And I was looking for more women to ride with,” Mara said.
That search led her to Petunia Mafia, where she found a welcoming community centered around riding, adventure, and connection.
One of the biggest ways the team fosters that sense of community is through events like Palisade Basecamp. This event is the team’s annual season kickoff, bringing together road cyclists, gravel riders, and mountain bikers of all levels for group rides, camping, happy hours, campfires, and time spent together outside.
“It’s the only event I’ve been to all four years,” Mara said. “It’s really a social event to kick off the year. People come to ride, meet new people, and just hang out.”
Collaboration with Tune
As a camping-focused event, Tune Outdoor played a major role in shaping the atmosphere throughout the weekend. Tune sponsored the event with a camp lounge setup featuring additional seating, camp couches, chairs, Tune Blend coffee, and a music-synced propane fire pit that quickly became the center of camp.
“It definitely upleveled the experience,” Mara shared. “People just gravitated toward it.”
Between rides, teammates gathered around the lounge space to share stories, relax after long days on the bike, and connect with new and familiar faces. The Tune setup created a cohesive gathering space that helped bring the entire event together.
Tune also hosted an open house featuring the M1L truck camper, sparking conversations all weekend long as riders toured the setup, asked questions, and visualized future adventures.
The collaboration between Tune Outdoor and Petunia Mafia felt natural. Both communities are built around getting outside, connecting with others, and creating memorable experiences through adventure.
Following the success of this year’s Palisade Basecamp event, Tune Outdoor looks forward to future collaborations with Petunia Mafia and continuing to support communities that inspire people to get outside and tune in to their natural state.
FAQ’s
What makes the Tune M1L truck camper a good option for cyclists?
The Tune M1L is a great fit for cyclists because it creates a lightweight, comfortable basecamp for cycling adventures without limiting a vehicle’s capability. It gives riders a place to recover after long rides and space to store their bike in the truck bed, if needed. The lightweight design allows riders to reach more remote trailheads, and the Tune's modularity makes it great for storing gear.
For multi-day cycling trips like Palisade basecamp, the setup makes it easy to transition from riding to relaxing and spending time with the community.
What are the benefits of joining a cycling team?
Joining a cycling team allows riders to improve their skills, build community, and stay motivated. Teams often organize group rides, social events, training opportunities, and trips that help riders connect with people of similar interests and experience levels. For many cyclists, friendships and a sense of support become just as valuable as the sport itself.
Is Petunia Mafia only for experienced cyclists?
No. Petunia Mafia welcomes riders of all skill levels and cycling backgrounds. The team includes road cyclists, gravel riders, and mountain bikers ranging from beginners to highly experienced riders. Through group rides and community events, Petunia Mafia creates an encouraging environment where riders can build confidence, improve skills, and connect with other women who love cycling.
Between rides, teammates gathered around the lounge space to share stories, relax after long days on the bike, and connect with new and familiar faces. The Tune setup created a cohesive gathering space that helped bring the entire event together.
Tune also hosted an open house featuring the M1L truck camper, sparking conversations all weekend long as riders toured the setup, asked questions, and visualized future adventures.
The collaboration between Tune Outdoor and Petunia Mafia felt natural. Both communities are built around getting outside, connecting with others, and creating memorable experiences through adventure.
Following the success of this year’s Palisade Basecamp event, Tune Outdoor looks forward to future collaborations with Petunia Mafia and continuing to support communities that inspire people to get outside and tune in to their natural state.
FAQ’s
What makes the Tune M1L truck camper a good option for cyclists?
The Tune M1L is a great fit for cyclists because it creates a lightweight, comfortable basecamp for cycling adventures without limiting a vehicle’s capability. It gives riders a place to recover after long rides and space to store their bike in the truck bed, if needed. The lightweight design allows riders to reach more remote trailheads, and the Tune's modularity makes it great for storing gear.
For multi-day cycling trips like Palisade basecamp, the setup makes it easy to transition from riding to relaxing and spending time with the community.
What are the benefits of joining a cycling team?
Joining a cycling team allows riders to improve their skills, build community, and stay motivated. Teams often organize group rides, social events, training opportunities, and trips that help riders connect with people of similar interests and experience levels. For many cyclists, friendships and a sense of support become just as valuable as the sport itself.
Is Petunia Mafia only for experienced cyclists?
No. Petunia Mafia welcomes riders of all skill levels and cycling backgrounds. The team includes road cyclists, gravel riders, and mountain bikers ranging from beginners to highly experienced riders. Through group rides and community events, Petunia Mafia creates an encouraging environment where riders can build confidence, improve skills, and connect with other women who love cycling.
