I recently moved to Key West, Florida and began working and living with my uncle Zachary Moses and his family. I’m originally from Utah, and don’t get me wrong, Utah is nice, but Key West is the ultimate paradise. The slogan “One Human Family” is truly the way of the residents of Key West. I don’t have a car here, and it has seriously improved my life. Driving around in a car closes off everything around you with solid metal doors, and windows that stay rolled up with the AC blasting. When on a bicycle, you are so much closer to the city, the people and the beauty of Key West. Everyone is always friendly and loving, and you can strike up a conversation with anyone on the street. Since moving here I have found that I am so much happier and productive because of how I am connecting with people and with the city around me.
How could I take everything that I had been given on the bicycle and use it to give back? When my uncle told me about the Smart Ride, where I could raise money to help people living with HIV/AIDS, I knew it was perfect. Riding my bike everywhere has improved my life so much, and now I can use it to improve the lives of others. This Smart Ride is my perfect definition of “paying it forward”, by using what the bike has granted me to help others. I am so excited to do this ride and join other people who are giving back in such an awesome and challenging way. I am eager to begin raising money that goes directly to the people living with HIV/AIDS and to reach and exceed my donations goal.