Elsa Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, and male cyclists. She overcame challenges in a sport dominated by men. She helped inspire other women to find the courage to break social taboos. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. She was a force to be reckoned with in the cycling world. This presentation will introduce you to an Upstate New York athlete who should not be forgotten. Karen Lankeshofer is a long-time Henrietta, NY resident. She is an avid bike rider and advocates for safe cycling infrastructure. She enjoys studying history, especially if it pertains to Upstate New York. Her presentation is a tribute to a pioneering female professional athlete.