I’m riding from Boston to Montreal this May to raise money for the Boston Cyclists Union!
This will be my first time doing Bos/treal and definitely the longest ride I’ve ever attempted. I’ve never done bike touring before, so this feels equal parts exciting, intimidating, and a little absurd-- but mostly exciting :)
I moved to Boston from St. Louis last summer, and biking here completely changed the way I experience a city. Riding around Somerville and Cambridge, using the Community Path, and seeing what safer bike infrastructure can look like has made me feel more connected to the places and people around me. Bikes have become transportation, freedom, community, and a way to feel grounded in a new city.
As a queer Mexican-American person and the child of immigrants, I also think a lot about who gets to feel safe, visible, and welcomed in public spaces and communities. Biking has helped me feel connected, independent, and grounded, and I want more people — especially queer people, immigrants, women, trans and nonbinary people, and people who haven’t historically felt represented in cycling spaces-- to feel that same sense of belonging and freedom.
Through volunteering at the Somerville Bike Kitchen, I’ve gotten to see how meaningful access to bikes and repair knowledge can be for people. The Boston Cyclists Union does incredible work advocating for safer and more accessible streets throughout Greater Boston, and I’m excited to support that work through this ride.
I’m especially looking forward to the community aspect of the trip, documenting the scenery along the way, and exploring Montreal by bike once we get there. I’ll probably also develop an emotionally complicated relationship to hills and snacks over the course of 400 miles.
Thank you so much for supporting me and the BCU. Every donation helps make safer, more accessible streets possible.
The Boston Cyclists Union is a 501(c)(3), so donations are tax deductible! Your employer may also offer donation matching.
As a thank-you:
• $15+ -- I’ll send trip updates and photo check-ins from the ride
• $50+ -- I’ll mail you a printed photo from the trip with a handwritten thank-you note
Learn more about BCU and their mission here: https://bostoncyclistsunion.org/