It's only day two, and riding the bike was already SO HARD. I knew it was going to be nothing like the training rides I did in Nashville, but a part of me still thought “it can’t be that bad.” Well—let me tell you—Pedaling the Pacific is no joke. The sun was relentless (record breaking heat for the area!!!!), and the hills just kept coming. We left camp at 9:00 a.m. and didn’t roll into the next site until exactly 7:00 p.m. Ten hours. On a bike. Every hill felt steeper, and every mile felt longer. There were a few moments where I wasn’t sure we’d make it—physically or mentally. But in the midst of the struggle, I kept coming back to one thought: if this is hard for me for a day, imagine what it means to fight for your life every single day.
I kept coming back to one thought: if this is hard for me for a day, imagine what it means to fight for your life every single day.
When I wanted to stop, I thought about the girls we’re riding for—the girls who’ve survived the unimaginable. Their strength is what kept me going. They don’t get to quit when it’s hard. They push through fear, pain, and trauma with unimaginable courage. That’s why I’m here. Every mile, every drop of sweat, is for them. This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a moving protest, a message, a mission to bring light to the darkest corners of exploitation and trafficking. This journey is fueled by their stories, their resilience, and the fierce belief that change is possible. It’s not enough to just be aware; we have to carry that awareness into motion. On the hardest stretches, I reminded myself: if they can keep going, so can I.
In the middle of such a hard day, we were met with unexpected kindness that kept us going. From the woman who handed us water and ice at the top of a brutal hill, to the couple who ran down their driveway waving us over for more water just as we realized the next climb was even worse—every gesture felt like a gift. At a small pizza shop, another couple opened up to us about their experience with domestic violence, reminding us that this ride touches more lives than we know. These moments—small but powerful—reminded us, once more, of why we ride. People care. Stories matter. And every connection brings more light to a cause that desperately needs it.
I'm so grateful to be able to use my body, my voice, and my time for something that matters. As hard as this day was, it’s nothing compared to what survivors have endured—and that’s exactly why we can’t stop. If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more, support an organization fighting sex trafficking, or just share this message. We need more voices, more hearts, and more momentum. Because awareness leads to action—and action saves lives.
