Today, my ride from Arlington to work is a tale of two worlds. Much of it is pleasant, utilizing the Minuteman and the Somerville Community Paths—absolute gems of our local infrastructure. But the moment those paths end and I hit streets like Somerville Ave in Somerville or  Cambridge St. in Cambridge or Mass. Ave in Arlington, the "zen" vanishes.

Even after 20 years of riding, I still have to ride with my "head on a swivel." No matter how much experience you have, navigating traffic shouldn't feel like a high-stakes survival exercise. We shouldn't have to be "expert" cyclists just to get to work safely.

The Personal Toll: More Than Just My Nerves 

It’s not just about my own stress; it’s about the impact on the people I love. My wife shouldn't have to track my GPS location on her phone or wait for that "reached safely" text every morning just to know I survived the ride to the office.

Peace of mind shouldn't be a luxury for a cyclist's family. Safe infrastructure is about ensuring that every person on the road can get where they’re going without their loved ones worrying if they’ll make it back.

The Challenge: 400 Miles to Montreal

This summer, I’m taking my commitment to the next level by participating in Bos/treal—a 5-day, 400-mile journey from Boston to Montreal. At 45, I’ve been hitting the gym hard on a 5x5 strength program to prepare for this endurance test. I’m ready to push my physical limits on my Cannondale, but I’m also riding to push for a change in how our cities are built.

Why I’m Raising Funds for the Boston Cyclists Union (BCU)

I’m raising $1900 to support the Boston Cyclists Union. They are the professional advocacy force working to bridge the gaps between those "pleasant paths" and the dangerous intersections that still haunt our commutes.

Your donation helps the BCU by:

• Fixing the Gaps: Campaigning to connect isolated bike paths into a seamless, safe network across Somerville, Cambridge, and Boston and beyond!

• Political Pressure: Ensuring that "head on a swivel" streets like Cambridge St. get the protected lanes they desperately need.

• Year-Round Safety: Advocating for better maintenance and snow removal so that biking remains a viable, safe option 365 days a year.

How You Can Help

I’ve spent 20 years riding these streets. With your help, I want to make sure the next generation of riders—and their families—don't have to deal with the same anxieties I’ve seen.

• $5 for the five day ride to Montreal 

• $20 for my 20 years on the road.

• $45 to celebrate my 45th year and this new physical challenge.

• $80 ($1 for every 5 miles to Montreal).

Every donation goes directly toward professional advocacy that saves lives and provides peace of mind for the people waiting for us at home.