I'm a mechanic and sales lead at REI in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but I've only been cycling seriously for a few years. I first caught the bug through wrenching, instead of through riding- when my store needed someone to help in the shop, I volunteered, and eventually fell in love with building and repairing bikes as well as riding them. 

As a shop lead, I've had the incredible privilege to work with one of the Bikes Not Bombs shop interns, and see first hand the excellent programs that Bikes Not Bombs produces. I've learned so much from their mechanics and their people, and their genuine love of their work, their community and their mission, and I'm proud to have the chance to repay the favor by fundraising for their annual bike-a-thon!

This ride will be my first Century (100 miles or more). I've become enchanted by the challenge and beauty of ultra-long-distance cycling, especially off-road touring and bikepacking. This event is a great stepping stone for me as a cyclist.