California
“I can’t believe this is me ‘working’!”
From old friends to new ones, California truly holds my heart. This was the first major stop on the Small Business Big Dreams Tour, and I feel like I’m living a dream. After weeks of preparation, I had to skip the Bay Area to make it to NACCC on time, but once I arrived, everything just felt right. From group rides and working checkpoints to afterparties, I kept thinking, “This is me, working!” Bikes have always been a huge part of my life, but they’ve only been a hobby. After years of college and chasing that “good job,” I’ve felt drained and unmotivated. But with Pink Tag gaining momentum, I decided it was time to break out. Where the future will take me, I don’t know, maybe I’ll get another job, or maybe this will continue to grow. All I know is this isn’t a dream, it’s real and I’m living it!
As a Californian born and raised, it feels amazing to be back. My first day in LA started with coffee on the helipad at Griffith Park. As I sat there on my own sipping a fresh cup, my friend Chris showed up on his morning ride. Even after all these years, I still run into people while having my morning coffee in this big city! I also reconnected with some old friends from the LA Knight Riders for drinks before heading to San Diego, and met up with a friend from Portland who just happened to be in town too.
NACCC was absolutely incredible, but you can read all about that HERE. This was also the first time in a long time that I have been able to ride around San Diego, and I gotta say it's nice. The roads are smooth and the infrastructure is there. San Diego even has a fleet of about 120 bicycle pedicabs to help with traffic! Beyond the race and reconnecting with friends, I’ve been working to expand Pink Tag Bags' retail presence and succeeded in entering three stores: two in LA and one in SD!
I spent over a week in SoCal, feeling so grateful for the friends I have. My good friend Wes let me crash at their place in Highland Park for most of my time in LA, and Drew took me in for a few nights in Pomona. Drew often does the Mobbin' Monday ride, which I reviewed HERE. LA is vast, and without a car, it’s a trek to get around. I’m thrilled to see the light rail system expanding and it’s going to change the game for my future visits.
On my last day, I rode solo out to Santa Monica, where I dipped my toes into the Pacific. I can’t wait to work my way across the country and do the same in the Atlantic. I still can’t believe this is my work, and I’m beyond grateful for all the love and support I’ve received so far along the way.
