🖤 After Hurricane Helene, we were all in shock. Many of us were without internet, cell service, power, or water for an extended period of time.  Roads, homes, and trails sustained massive damage. Over 250 people died making it the most deadly hurricane since Katrina, and there were over 1,200 landslides. Asheville relied on emergency services for several weeks, even months for some. Public schools were out for September and most of October. 

November brought extremely disappointing election results which were compounded by a lack of help from FEMA and the government. A difficult season turned into a long winter -literally seeing -and fully realizing the impact of the hurricane. Even though our amazing community rallied and helped one another- at times, I felt like no one outside of Asheville understood or cared. It made me angry, disappointed, and sometimes depressed. 

🖤 I decided I needed to channel my anger and energy into something positive and uplifting. I started volunteering and supporting local organizations that were doing amazing work. I started biking more with friends. It was a way to move through some of the big feelings and challenges. I wanted to continue- biking, venting, sharing, connecting with my community, volunteering and donating to local organizations. And I figured putting them all together would be a good way to honor the last year. Thus, RIDE YOUR RAGE was born. 

*The art piece below was created by Dr. Jennifer Mullan. When I saw this as a post on her Instagram, it perfectly fit my feelings at the time, and it inspired the name of the event.