I am so excited to be riding my first century (100 mile ride) in support of Bikes Not Bombs! Their mission is inspiring:

Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change to achieve economic mobility for Black and other marginalized people in Boston and the Global South.

BNB is achieving this goal by developing apprenticeships for folks to become bike mechanics. This is empowering in so many ways. First, it opens opportunities for employment. In our area, basically every bike shop is hiring mechanics. Second, it enables a self sufficient and cheap mode of transportation. Even if you are not working professionally as a bike mechanic, being able to service and maintain a bicycle gives one the ability to transport themselves (and others) cheaply and safely. In fact, the bicycle is the most popular mode of transportation (other than walking) worldwide! Bikes are much cheaper than cars and the maintainence can be done yourself with minimal tools. I am so happy to be able to support Bikes Not Bombs as they grow this training. Their bike shop is also great; they are a cornerstone of the Boston bike community by providing lower cost services, used parts and used but completely refurbished bikes.

The Bike-A-Thon route is 100 miles through Eastern MA, travelling from the BNB shop in JP out to Harvard, MA: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39082974 . I will feel much safer riding some of those roads with a peloton instead of by myself to protect from cars. It's going to be a great ride, through some beautiful areas of Eastern MA, and an excellent first century for me.

Thank you so much for your support!