The ride wraps up in San Diego with a heartfelt celebration hosted by Amy and Nick Hundley since 2021. NCMEC joins us to honor the journey, and friends and family line the finish with posters and cheers. It is the perfect way to reflect on the miles we cover and the impact we hope to leave behind.

In 2018, the team met a cyclist on the Golden Gate Bridge who lived in Newport, California and offered to reach out to his community for a host in his neighborhood. Enter Diana! She graciously opened her home to strangers and has hosted most teams since. Not only does she allow the team to take over the house, but the Leadership Team joins for our debrief time, making the house full of many women. To top it all off, she brings us all  to her beautiful private beach! As we debrief the ride, it is so important to have a warm, welcoming space to think about what we’ve learned along the way. Diana is a gracious host that allows us to do just that!

In 2017, while working out at a gym in Houston, TX, our co-founder Grace’s dad struck up a conversation with a friend about our mission. That friend then introduced him to Bill Macfadyen — widely known as the go-to person in Santa Barbara. As the owner of Noozhawk news, Bill and his wife, Missy, play a key role in organizing host homes for our riders each summer. Thanks to his connections, our teams also have the opportunity to meet with the District Attorney’s office, share a meal and our mission with the Junior League, and connect with the founders of Parker Clay — a leather goods company that creates jobs for vulnerable individuals and supports prevention, rehabilitation, and job training for women transitioning out of trafficking. Over the years, they have also visited a long term care center for survivors, wrote letters to survivors with the yacht club, and eaten breakfast with the local Rotary club!

“Bill’s efforts extended beyond hospitality; he created opportunities for us to learn, connect, and share our mission. Through him, we met with the Junior League, engaged in meaningful conversations with the District Attorney and the county’s Human Trafficking Task Force, and connected with local business leaders like Ian Bentley of Parker Clay. These experiences reinforce why Santa Barbara is a cornerstone of the Pedal the Pacific journey.” - Clare Kenyon, PTP 23

"The owner of Parker Clay, a handbag company that uses their profits to empower women in Ethiopia, shared a quote with us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This is so true when it comes to advocacy as we can get burnt out fast. I think about this quote all the time as it reminds me of how much I can do — but how I can do even more when it’s with other people." - Emma Warner, PTP 23

Ann McCarty and the North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center (NCRCCPC) hosted a community dinner, complete with stories from survivors and local leaders. The generosity of the community was on full display, with a hotel donating rooms for the team and even the mayor showing up to present us with the key to the city.

More than 100 community members attended a dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn, where the team presented the North County Rape Crisis Center with a $5,000 grant from the organization.

“Our team, in 2021, was the first team to visit Lompoc and be hosted by Ann. The first thing I'll say is that every team since then has gone back to Ann and has left better than they came. Ann not only welcomed us with open, hospitable arms, she also made sure that we were poured into by hearing from other anti-trafficking leaders in Lompoc. Lompoc is in the same county as Santa Barbara, home to lots of celebrities and wealth. With that, Lompoc often gets pushed aside, but Ann refuses to let that happen to the survivors in Lompoc. To this day, four years later, I regularly think about the boldness that Ann has and shares. I know I'll continue to be impacted by her words and work throughout my life.” - Emma Pitcock, PTP 21

“The Cusacks' house was an oasis for our team. Although we loved full days of activities during the ride, the Cusacks knew what we needed before we even did. We were able to rest and relax with no obligation, which came right at a time when we were feeling worn out. Because of their endless generosity, we revived ourselves and got back on the road well-rested and ready to keep spreading the mission! The day we left the Cusacks, we were doing a "sponsor a mile" fundraising push. Dana helped us get on the road with one of my favorite breakfasts to date, AND helped us take videos of us riding for our Instagram push. Not to mention, she also sponsored the conclusion of our summer-long Twilight marathon, which was really just the cherry on top.” - Gracie Hornung, PTP 24

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The 2021 and 2022 teams were lucky enough to cycle Big Sur!

Fun fact: the only teams to cycle Big Sur were PTP 2021 & 2022. All of the other years, there have been mud slides that prohibit the team from riding on this rugged coastline. The train takes the team from Salinas to San Luis Obispo.

Brent and Sheila, longtime supporters, introduced us to the Martinelli family in 2022, and this stop has since become a cornerstone of the ride. The Rotary Club organizes a group ride into town, followed by an event that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds and highlight local organizations. It’s a powerful example of how a single connection can spark meaningful change.

“The Dunton and Martinelli families are extremely active in the community, a fact that was even more evident when they hosted an incredible fundraiser for us. During our stay, we enjoyed fantastic food, unlimited apple juice, a tour of the Martinelli factory, and relaxation in their backyards and on the lake. The kindness and hospitality of the Martinelli’s, Maureen and Cy, and organization from Brent & Sheila was incredibly heartwarming, and they all went above and beyond to connect with us. They are dedicated to giving back to the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay communities, and they provided me with renewed confidence in the ability of people in positions of privilege to leverage it for good.” - Jordan Pilcher, PTP 23

“The fact that the entire city of Santa Cruz put on an entire event for us so we could share PTP’s mission with the community is so kind. The rotary club really recruited the masses. They took us in, showed us their favorite route, fed us well, and believed in the mission. I think I cried that night from the generosity!” - Addison Simons, PTP 22

This year was the Wilson's first time hosting the team, and they welcomed them in with open arms - even having a cake ready to celebrate on Clare’s birthday! Before arriving at their home, the team cycles over the Golden Gate Bridge - a huge milestone in the journey!

“In San Francisco, Tim and Gentry opened their townhouse to us (despite having two little kids under 5 running around) and it was one of many reminders that doing what you can with what you have is more than enough. They cooked dinners for us, we all got to sleep on a couch, gave us all kinds of recommendations for the city, and generally just let us take over their house for two days. Having young children and a busy life could have been an excellent excuse to turn Pedal down and not host… so THAT was a hardcore example of kindness and investment in community, and I hope to be like that if I'm ever in a similar position.” - Gracie Hornung, PTP 24

In Eureka, we joined a 5K walk with local survivors and were reminded why we ride. The team also received hundreds of letters of encouragement from NCMEC staff, along with much-needed gift cards for groceries — practical support that means so much on the road.

Memory lane: Read our blog from meeting Loretta & Steve in 2017!

“Steve and Loretta really know how to make seven dirty, grimy, tired cyclists feel as comfortable and taken care of as possible. On top of that, Loretta connected us with an acquaintance of hers, who is a survivor engaged in anti-trafficking work in Humboldt County. We met her and a few other survivors at a walk to end trafficking, and were reminded of the sisterhood cultivated in this fight.”. - Gracie Hornung, PTP 24

”Steve and Loretta left an indelible mark on me. The day we got to Eureka, CA was a tough ride for me; I felt weary and worn. They welcomed us into their home with grace and understanding. They had no expectations and put no pressure on us to entertain after a long day of riding. They made sure there was more than enough food and shared superb advice.  As we got to know them we unsurprisingly discovered that hosting has been a large part of their lifestyle for a while. They’ve hosted exchange students and other cyclists. They inspired me to host well and open my heart to strangers.” - Morgan McGehee, PTP 24

In 2017, our founders met John Huttl in Port Orford after a long day of riding. He offered them dinner and, as he put it, “knew they needed help when Grace didn’t leave a single grain of couscous.” John has been part of the Pedal family ever since, hosting us alongside MJ at her beautiful home. Their partnership ensures this stop is always a highlight. 

Memory lane: Check out our instagram post from 2017 when our founders met John for the first time!

“Sixes, OR is a magical place. These people really know how to host! Not only were we filled up physically by cold watermelon and yummy fresh berries from MJ's garden, but also spiritually filled by their life stories marked by love and generosity. MJ and John are individually incredible people, but watching how Pedal brings folks together makes it even better. They both pulled out all the stops to make sure we were rested and refreshed on all accounts: MJ organized a call with Dr. Deb, a doctor involved in anti-trafficking work in Seattle and worldwide, John showed us the beauty of Sixes by being our personal tour guide, and everybody took a dip in the swimming hole out back! That river behind MJ's house is a place of rebirth! Most of all, they spoke truth and confidence to each of us. They reminded us that Pedal is so much more than a bike ride, but a demonstration of doing everything you can with what you have in service of something greater. More than anything, those reminders are what drive us down the coast and out into the world as advocates.” - Gracie Hornung, PTP 24

Doc & Marcie were introduced to Pedal the Pacific in 2017 through Savannah’s friend’s mom’s friend (we at PTP always love the long string of mutual friends!). Doc and Marcie have helped the team every year since with a hotel donation, local media connections, and even providing the team with physical therapy needs as a licensed chiropractor. Our team has met with one of our Community Grant Recipients, Safety Compass here for the past two years.

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“Doc & Marcie are the perfect example of people who hear about Pedal the Pacific and rally the whole community! Over the years, they have secured radio interviews, restaurant donations, and even a hotel for the team to stay in on the beach. Doc even gives the team a magical cream that helps with soreness from his practice as a chiropractor! We are so grateful for Doc & Marcie’s continued partnership with PTP.” - Meghan Savona

“The power of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend is not to be understated in the world of Pedal! Sallie and North had no direct connection to the organization, but like so many of our hosts felt called to support our crazy group of girls on our journey to raise awareness about something bigger than all of us. We intended to camp the night we stayed with them, but instead were majorly blessed by being welcomed into North's beautiful beachside home! We were treated like princesses, but most importantly got to talk about the mission of Pedal with some people who were new to supporting the team. This was Pedal’s first year being hosted by Sallie & North, and we seriously could not be more grateful. We got so lucky with this incredible first impression.” - Gracie Hornung, PTP 24

The Van Doren family welcomed us with their signature warmth, treating the team to a lobster dinner by the lake. It was a chance to recharge and connect before hitting the road again.

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“The moment we biked into Rockaway I felt comforted by the kindness and warmth of the Van Dorens. We were instantly greeted by their spirited granddaughter Anna, fresh Oregon Dungeness crab, and a cosy campfire. Their genuine interest and intentional questions refreshed my focus on the mission of Pedal after a taxing day on Highway 101. We left with fresh laundry, stomachs full of breakfast, and a proper farewell — a taste of home. Grateful for the commitment the Van Dorens have to Pedal the Pacific after all these years!” - Morgan McGehee, PTP 24

Our first overnight stop is with Kim & Steve, along with April & Kalani. Kim & Steve have hosted us since 2017, when they connected with our founders, Savannah, Grace, and Sara, through a bikepacking app called Warm Showers. Now, they partner with April & Kalani to welcome us, including pizza and conversations at the local brewery they run. Their hospitality continues to set the tone for the journey.

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“April and Kalani are a rider's first impression of a host home. At this point in the ride, they are exhausted, sore, and asking themselves "what have I done?" I felt such a sense of relief in the way they welcomed us into their home. We got to enjoy an afternoon in the hot tub, warm showers, delicious food, and a visit to their local brewery. We so enjoyed listening to their own cycling stories and life lessons as they listened to us speak to the first humans other than our teammates in days. We adore their daughter who is just a delight to be around (and hopefully a future Pedal girl)! It is so evident that they look forward to the team coming through every year. We felt like a prize to be shown off to the community!” - Emma Warner

We launched the journey in Seattle with a full weekend of events. Polka Dot Jersey generously provided team bikes and led a training ride to get us ready for the road. The night before launch, we gathered at Rapha with friends and family to reflect on the mission ahead. REST joined us to share about their incredible work, and we were honored to present them with the first Community Grant of the ride.

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On Saturday, we met at the Seattle Ferry to speak with media and set off on the first leg to Bremerton. A special thank you to Rachel Newton’s class for their thoughtful letters of encouragement — those words carried us far!