This is my third Bike-A-Thon and I'm incredibly proud to be raising money for Bikes Not Bombs and supporting their mission again!

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I dusted off my old hybrid bike, rode it over to Bikes Not Bombs for a tune-up, and then started riding every day. At first it was just a way to keep myself occupied in my downtime when I wasn't looking for work, to make sure that I didn't permanently fuse to my couch; it quickly turned from casual pastime to passion though, and soon I'd bought myself lycra, clipless pedals, and all the other important things.

I went from barely being able to get off the couch without getting winded, and just about having an asthma attack at the 5 mile mark on a ride, in March of 2020 to my, at that point, longest ride of my entire life at 40 miles for the first remote Bike-A-Thon that September. More, in a single ride, than I'd likely ridden in my entire life combined prior to 2020. In 2021 I doubled down and on December 31st I managed a 75 mile ride on the indoor trainer (a feat I am not likely to attempt to repeat). This year, my goal is to complete a minimum of one century ride: specifically, the 100 mile route of the Bike-A-Thon.

The whole story probably wouldn't have happened without Bikes Not Bombs. The work that they do was a huge motivator to bring my bike in. I knew that not only would I be getting great support, my money was going to a good cause. Everyone there has always been amazing and helpful, and they've done so much for me, keeping me riding, and for the community. This is the best way I can think of to give back. I hope you'll join me in supporting their mission to use the bicycle as a vehicle for social change.