The dude-centric dynamic isn't necessarily true everywhere. When I was in LA there was a strong women's presence in cycling -- credit to a few clubs/teams/individuals who were great at actively promoting women's cycling, and maybe also due to the size and makeup of the pool, the LA area having a huge population that leans liberal. Race turnout at Encino was a women's field larger than the men's field on multiple occasions. Can't really speak to the elite scene though, as I wasn't in it.