What brought you to the Ride?
My husband and I FaceTimed our friend Becca in June 2016…when she happened to be resting at her LA hotel post-ride. I remember this glow she had in between her sharing memories, laughter and even some tears about her Gear and Tent experience. She convinced me to sign up and I’ve been a G&T Roadie since 2017.
What is your favorite Ride memory?
A Tie. My first red dress day in 2017 was magical. Gear & Tent and other ride/roadie teams had costumes throughout the entire week but it was so magical to see the entire camp flooded in red. I brought my best friend Brandon as a first-year rider in 2022 and it was equally inspiring to experience the ride through his eyes, from the early AM flight to the beachside vigil on night 6 in Ventura.
What is your favorite thing about being a Roadie?
The Love Bubble! I’m a natural extrovert and over the years, I’ve met some amazing people on the ride. Some I see annually each June like a reunion of sorts and others have grown into close friendships that extend well beyond the ride. My G&T team celebrated both a funeral and wedding last year for teammates and it was beautiful to witness the growth of our love and bond. Most of them were strangers to me in 2017 are now some of my absolute favorite people.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a 1st time Roadie?
The cliché choice is to ask for help, which is definitely true. But I’d also say soak in the entire experience. Between the early (or late depending on your team) wakeups and long hours, the week literally flies by. Take time to walk around camp, meeting different riders, roadies, and teams, and bask in the collective joy of being a part of ALC.
Are you interested in sharing your story in the Roadie Spin? Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we’d love to hear from you!
