In the summer of 2023, I embarked on a sewing repair bike tour traveling from Durango, Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico in a group offering free repair services to the communities we traveled through.  ​

On my bike, I had A 20L dry bag full of fabric, all of the groups sewing tools, hardware and any of the tools we needed to repair gear and clothing and on top of that, all of my own personal camping gear and food and a few goodies I picked up along the way (road fabric!)

When I heard about this bike trip, I knew I had to go. I have always had a love for cycling, sewing and connecting with people from various walks of life. This bike tour helped shift my persepective on design and how I can build and design things for people to last and to be repaired and to tell stories through the repairs. 

This tour made me think a lot about how as a designer I can create thins for people to last and to wear down beautifully overtime.  During the tour, we visisted and collaborated with local parks, bike shops, and local makers in the towns we traveled through. We made friends, formed incredible connections, and got rained on. a lot. This project was a true reflection of who I am as a designer—someone who is passionate about sustainability, loves the freedom and adventure of cycling, and values the connections we can build through our work. The Sewing Repair Bike Tour not only allowed me to hone my technical skills but also deepened my excitement about creating durable, long-lasting products that serve people and the planet. As I continue to grow in my career, I look forward to finding new ways to combine my skills and passions in ways that enrich both my life and the lives of others.

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This Bike tour left me feeling inspired and afterwards I planned and hosted events in the communities I lived. I had never hosted a repair event by myself so I started with hauling machine around on my bike, of course and doing free repairs for people at local climbing gyms. After I put on more events teaching people how to sew, providing fabric and materials needed for them to repair their items, I walked around providing conversation, insight or any help that the participants needed. These events were so incredibly fun, and it was amazing to see people excited about coming to fix their pieces.