Who knew the fight for justice could look like riding 1,700 miles on a bike?!

This is why I ride—to push myself out of that mindset and position. In this climate of advocacy for the oppressed, we rarely hear about sex trafficking because it is easier to turn away than to imagine the exploitation of someone's daughter, son, mother, or father for another’s personal gain.

“…if we wait and wait to suddenly be qualified for something, will we ever step out as brave, bold advocates for change?”

Our bodies carry us through this world and help us establish who we are (and let’s hope my body gets me down the California Coast next summer), yet so many people are never even given the opportunity to claim their bodies as their own.

It took me a few years to realize that cycling carries the same storytelling power dance does, but, once it hit me, cycling became another avenue for me to convey the narratives I felt I needed to share with others.

But I do know how to ride a bike. I know how to work with like-minded young people who care about the same cause I do. I know how to be a teammate. I know how to listen to other people’s stories. I know how to validate other’s experiences. I know how to encourage fellow riders up an impossibly steep hill. And I know how to be a friend.

My small step came in the form of a young girl named Teagan with white-blonde hair, bright blue eyes and Down Syndrome.

We are going to ride our bikes down the coast, and it will likely be embarrassingly difficult for us - but really that’s the least important part of our journey.