I've gone and done the improbable. It's taken me weeks to register and create this page, for fear of humiliation and because I was (am) so tempted to pull out.

The bike photo is over nine years old and was taken on a solo trip to Tulum, Mexico. During this period, more than a year after a major, searing breakup with a cycling Nazi*, I thought I hated all bikes, all cyclists, and especially padded Lycra butt shorts. But I was on holiday, alone, and among my planned activities was a trip to a local nature reserve.

The best way to enjoy the park was on two wheels. So for one US dollar, I hired this little red bike (I hear Prince in my head), put my bitterness aside and channeled my eight-year old self, who loved her bike and was possessed of excellent balance and coordination.

Under the shady cool of the reserve's canopy, dappled in sunlight and surrounded mostly by ancient ruins, my fluttery yellow summer dress, Havaiana flip-flops and I began to pedal. It felt so. Unbelievably. Good.

I felt light. I felt free. Stella got her groove back...

Fast forward to today. This is about as uncharacteristic as it gets for me; doing something active (in a group!!!), asking for donations, and tying it back to a story I've not told many, because it fails my own cheese-test. But there are so many more reasons.

I have been so blessed this year - employed once more, really enjoying my job, graced by singularly wonderful people I call my friends and family, and more than healthy enough to take on this kind of endeavor -- for the first time, but I hope not the last. So I try to give back and in doing so, flex a muscle I don't flex often enough. Faith.

My target is modest, but I would so welcome and appreciate your support, and will be overjoyed to receive any size donation.

Thank you!

Ana

*I got over the douche. Ages ago.

**PS, if I meet my target I will record a makeup tutorial OR food-related YouTube video for your viewing pleasure. We'll put it up to a vote. :)