Last week, my dear bike was stolen from my apartment basement; where it was locked and secure.
This godly purple bike traveled from being an actual extension of my body during my college days in Davis, to taking me to the produce and my cafe job post-college in Santa Clarita, to being a security blanket and a “familiar face” during my transition into Oregon life.
I’ve gotten a couple messages from loved ones offering help if I set up a GoFundMe. It seemed like a very nice idea, but I wanted to give the donors a token of my gratitude instead of just sitting here and waiting for $. I’m an able-bodied person and this isn’t quite a dire emergency, however - this is something very important to me.
... So here goes! I have set up a PayPal widget and a Venmo link so you can donate any amount your heart desires!
For every donation, I will send a mini hand-drawn portrait of yourself via USPS. Please share your mailing address as a note, so I could send the portrait to you. Or if you want me to draw something else. No address, no portrait :(
Being transparent:
Drawing skills are at kindergarten level.
I would be using this Bike Fund to off-set the price for my next bike. I will be contributing to this fund regularly also, however, my budget is tight due to car repairs from another incident. (Damn, Portland..!)
Currently looking at used frames, new frames, and all types of builds. I’m doing very thorough research and reaching out to individuals who ride the bikes I’m looking at. I want to make sure this next bike lives up to my past one and beyond!
Whether you decide to contribute or not, I thank you for reading my story. Pour one out one time for my ole’ bike. C'est la vie.
Currently: $919.41
GOAL: $1000.00
CLOSED DONATIONS! :)
UPDATE 8/26/2020
We did it, friends! I’m speechless.
A sweet 2019 Surly Pack Rat... I would like to introduce you to Matsuba! (“Pine needle” in Japanese)
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I am so full of love from the overwhelming support with this.
Matusba’s Story:
She was purchased last year by a woman who wanted to get into bikepacking. She and her wife have a little girl and she quickly realized that this bike wouldn’t hit the gravel as much as she would like. Now the seller was on the hunt for the perfect candidate to give Matsuba the life she deserved, while she also gets the funds for her next adventure: kayaks.
*Enter Gab*
Love at first sight! Favorite color, perfect size, near perfect condition, and very fair price considering this is a front-loading gravel bike... dare I say a randonneuring bike!
I look forward to my days with Matsuba! I couldn’t have done it without you all.
Love you,
Gab and Matsuba
