275 Miles from Boston to New York: 10 Life Lessons from Cycle for the Cause

Last month, Sept 19-21 2025, I completed Cycle for the Cause, a 275-mile ride from Boston to New York. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center hosts this event every year to raise money for critical services for people living with or vulnerable to HIV. It was one of the most challenging — and life-changing — experiences I’ve ever had. Each mile taught me something not just about endurance, but about community, courage, and living fully.

Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned along the way:

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1. You can do hard things.
This ride reminded me that our limits are often more flexible than we think. Those moments when your body is tired and your brain is saying “I’d like to be done 2 hours ago” - but you keep going - is a reminder that sometimes we don’t know our own limits, and are more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

2. Being among queer community is deeply healing
Riding along strangers who quickly became friends showed me how connection fuels everything we do. No matter our different life paths, for here and now, we are in this together - and we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

The “Sapphic C4C” crew at the finish line. We’ll be recruiting for new members in 2026, if you’re interested in joining!

3. Say yes, even if you’re not 100% prepared.
Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, whether that’s a 275-mile bike ride or a new adventure in your everyday life. I signed up for C4C with only a 40 mile ride under my belt.. but with the audacity to believe that I could do it!

4. It’s okay to ask for help.
Despite my audacity, there were definitely times I needed help. The first day was a hilly ~85 mile day and I didn’t hydrate properly. Around mile 60 one of my legs seized up and I had to dismount and call for the ‘sweep van’ to come and get me. While normally I’d be down on myself - what a way to do day 1 - I was so grateful for those that stopped and helped me get to the next rest stop and coach me on how to take care of myself better for long bike rides. And what do you know - after a night of rest, stretching, carbs and some serious hydration, I was able to complete my first century (100+ mile ride) the day after. Which leads me to…

5. Take care of your body.
Hydrate, fuel up, rest, stretch-your body is one of your greatest allies on any adventure. My routines completely changed so that I could give my body what it needed. It meant going to bed before 9p, stretching before, after and during the ride, eating regularly, having shots of pickle juice chased by coldbrew (🤮) at reststops (did anyone else know that pickle juice is one of the best ways to combat muscle fatigue? I didn’t!), drinking way more water + gatorade than I thought was possible.

Two bikers I met on the road - we ended up biking at least 30 miles together that day!

6. Sit next to people you don’t know.
A simple “hello” - or more realistically for me - “can I pace behind you on this hill?” can spark lifelong friendships. You never know who will end up being there for you when the ride gets tough.

7. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Wearing your true colors, quirks, or rainbow gear makes life brighter, and inspires others to do the same. When I saw others dressing their best, all of a sudden I wanted to find some extra flair too. This encouraged me to show up as myself every day, and to cherish others as they show their authentic selves, too!

8. Bridging gaps and continuing the “legacy of lesbians”

On the first night, two Sirens (a badass club of women+ motorcycle enthusiasts who volunteer their time in support of LGBTQIA+ events - SWOON!) spoke about what participation in this event meant to them. One concept stuck with me - they spoke about how lesbians, during the height of the AIDS crisis, came to the aid of their sick siblings when nobody else would. To this siren, continuing the “legacy of lesbians,” means continuing to show up and support others vulnerable to HIV/AIDS but also support our queer siblings generally. We must continue to show up for others!

The Sirens were such a highlight of the trip - they made sure bicyclists were able to cross tricky intersections, provided directions, and cheer you on!

9. You don’t know if you don’t ask.

It can be intimidating to ask people for money, even for a good cause. I’m not a natural fundraiser, but in this instance, I challenged myself to make direct asks of my friends and community. I was so surprised and grateful for those who came out to support me - from family, to friends that you’ve lost touch with. You never know who’s cheering you on!

10. Gratitude = Perspective

Gratitude transforms the ride. I’m grateful for my body and mind, for queer elders who fought for our rights and paved the way to progress, for the crew and staff who pulled off this enormous event, and for the privilege of experiencing something like this. Even food - simple fuel - I approached with gratitude. Even though I was the one pedaling my bike, the journey to that finish line was truly a group effort.

At Discover Queer, we believe: queer people deserve life-changing experiences that challenge them, connect them, and bring joy. Whether it’s an epic bike ride, a cozy weekend retreat, or a creative gathering like Apple Bottoms (our recent apple-picking event!), adventure and connection await.

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