Darlene Marshall

Tell us a bit more about you. How did you discover cycling?

I won a bike about 20 years ago. It was a bit too big but I started riding it and loved it! Started to visit my local Bike Shop (Hub Cycle) and formed a beautiful friendship with the owners. I decided to buy a new bike in my correct size and they recommended a Liv Rove. My Husband also bought a Giant Roam at the same time so it was very nice to be able to bike together. I totally fell in love with Liv Bikes! I love going into Hub Cycle and seeing the boxes come in with Liv stamped on the outside! I've led a Women On Wheels program for the last 8 years, created through Cycling NS. I love seeing so many women come out every week. Most haven't been on a bike since they were kids!

According to you, how can bike shops be more welcoming for women?

My bike shop (Hub Cycle) has a female co-owner (Daisy) and she is such an advocate for welcoming females to the cycling world! I am so lucky that Daisy is so supportive of this! Together we have women only rides and talks about maintenance for our bikes. I think it is so important for bike shops to help women maintain their bikes, even simple things like cleaning and lubing the chain. Bike Shop owners should always train their staff to treat women who come into their store the same as men. Always talk to her about what kind of riding she wants to do and how she will transport and store her bike. Maybe have some events that are women only to talk about maintenance.

How would you like to support your partner Liv retailer?

I would show off my Liv bikes and Liv gear and apparel! Having women only bike rides provides an opportunity for me to recommend Hub Cycle for any maintenance issue or for recommending new bikes or gear. Often, someone will ask where to buy something cycling related....and I can always tell them Hub Cycle! And having women only talks in the store will bring more women in. And having my Wome On Wheels rides every week brings attention to Hub Cycle.

What aspect of Liv resonates with you the most?

I love that Liv has been created by a woman, Bonnie Tu, and that the Liv Bike mechanics are women. I love that Liv is still created and maintained by women! I love the Liv website with the how to videos! I'm quite often sharing those. And I love Liv Bikes! For some people buying a new car is exciting...for me it's buying a new Liv bike!

What's a major project you would like to achieve as a Liv Ambassador in 2026?

A beginner mountain bike course with Daisy from Hub Cycle. We've been trying to do this for the last couple of years but haven't been able to make it happen. I'm hoping this will be the year!