Giving Back to the Places That Changed Me

When I started bikepacking a few months ago, I thought I was learning how to carry camping gear on my bike.

I had no idea I was about to redefine what adventure meant to me.

Over the past several weeks, I have ridden through forests, listened to birds welcome a new day, stood quietly as a moose watched over a mountain lake, fallen asleep to the sound of wind moving through the trees, and smiled as a rainbow appeared while I pitched my tent on the Summer Solstice.

I have also gotten lost.

Missed turns.

Questioned my confidence.

Learned how to navigate uncertainty.

Discovered that I am far more capable than I imagined.

Every one of those moments has reminded me that bikepacking is about much more than riding a bicycle. It is about slowing down enough to notice the world around us. It is about curiosity replacing fear. It is about discovering that some of life’s greatest adventures begin the moment we step beyond what feels familiar.

None of those experiences happened by accident.

They happen because there are people who dedicate themselves to protecting public lands, creating routes, advocating for access, and ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder that I have been fortunate enough to discover.

That is why I am supporting Bikepacking Roots.

Their work helps create and protect the places that have already changed my life in such a short time. I wanted to do more than simply enjoy these places. I wanted to give something back.

So today I’m launching my first fundraiser in support of Bikepacking Roots. I’m beginning the campaign with my own $100 donation because I believe in the work they’re doing and the future they’re are helping create.

If you’ve been following my journey through Nova Context—whether you’ve celebrated the wildlife encounters, laughed through my navigation mishaps, or simply found inspiration in the idea that it’s never too late to begin something new—I invite you to join me.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps support route stewardship, public lands advocacy, and expanding access to bikepacking for others.

Adventure has given me more than beautiful places to ride.

It has taught me confidence.

Presence.

Wonder.

Gratitude.

This fundraiser is one small way to return some of that gift.

If these stories have inspired you, or if you believe that wild places and meaningful adventures deserve to be protected, I would be honored if you joined me. Together, we can help ensure that someone else’s first bikepacking trip, first moose sighting, first sunrise from a tent, or first moment of discovering what they’re capable of is still waiting for them.

Thank you for riding along with me. And thank you for helping protect the places that make adventures like these possible.

If you’d like to join me in supporting their work, here’s my fundraising page.