Tomorrow I set off for the Gravel Circumnavigation of the Olympic Range. GCOR is a 470 mile route around the Olympic Peninsula with over 40,000′ elevation on mostly gravel forest service roads. I’ll be raising funds for the BIPOC Bike Adventure Grant through Bikepacking Roots.
I’ve done a few solo rides and adventures since my move to the west coast, along with the quarantine, shelter in place, and Kyle’s deployment. I’ve enjoyed these solo journeys and pushing myself (mostly to get off the couch.) But this ride will be a whole new type of adventure for me, without a couch in sight for a few days.
I’ve never bike camped. I’ve never ridden over 300 miles in a week. I am VERY intimidated.
All funds go directly to Bikepacking Roots, the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing bikepacking, growing a diverse bikepacking community, advocating for the conservation of the landscapes and public lands through which we ride, and creating professional routes. We value human-powered adventure and an inclusive, engaged, and informed membership that makes a positive impact as we explore by bike.
The BIPOC Bike Adventure Grant is Bikepacking Roots’ new grant program created to help reduce the barriers to bike adventure for BIPOC individuals. This grant will provide funding for recipients to pursue an adventurous experience by bicycle. The adventure isn’t limited to bikepacking, as we recognize that there are numerous barriers to multi-day self-supported adventures that must be dismantled before considering bikepacking. These barriers include finances, equipment, confidence, backcountry experience, backcountry camping skills, physical access to bikepacking routes, and more. The BIPOC Bike Adventure Grant will support recipients by helping fund a fun and empowering bike adventure. We’ll leave it up to grant applicants to define their own meaning of adventure. Applications will be up around July 15 for the first round of funding!
In preparing for this event, I’ve realized the barrier to entry for a sport like this is immense. Cycling is hard enough, but the additional gear required to tackle a multi-day event is overwhelming. That’s why I’m raising funds for this cause. The freedom to ride gives the feeling of freedom. Something I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience. And I realize my riding experience is and always will be a privilege.
So if you can, donate, share, and follow along for what should be an epic adventure! You can track my progress on Spotwalla. Best case scenario, this will take me five days but I also understand that not every trip goes as planned!
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