It might be apt to say that I'm riding off into the sunset… or that I'm exiting stage left…or stage South, perhaps.

Portland is definitely the home I'll be coming back to, but for the next year or so, my partner Allen and I will be nomads of a sort. Our travels will take us swooping through the southern hemisphere in search of new (to us) languages, volunteer work, peripatetic exploration and other adventures. We expect to take a turn North at New Zealand, and spend some time in SE Asia, then finish up our trip with visits to friends and family in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

I know we'll see bicycles used in lots of ways in lots of places – and get to experience some of our destinations from the seat of a bike – though we'll be leaving our bicycles at home. I also expect that, although our days will be full of new and amazing things, I will miss the many blessings of working at the BTA and the many friends I've made among you.

Some of my favorite experiences during my six years at the BTA include:

-Riding small roads between Ashland and Salem on the BTA's 2001 Bicycle Bill Relay and Rally, and meeting so many cyclists who, though from all over the state, shared similar passions.

-The energy and thrill of pulling large events together with the support of hundreds of you who were so glad to volunteer your energy to the cause.

-Writing more than 200 BTA e-mail Digests over the years, and having the chance to chat with the many of you who responded to our shout-outs for urgent advocacy needs, volunteer events, or just to say you love the BTA.

-Just the other night, when one of our youngest volunteers stayed til almost 10 to help get a final filing project all in order. We chatted about music and movies, parents and teachers, philosophy…it reminded me how volunteers bring so much more to the BTA than just the strength of their labor. You make us laugh and make our work more enjoyable!

-Seeing the BTA grow from a successful, but small, non-profit into an incredibly effective organization that is at the head of the pack – and providing a model for – bicycle advocacy organizations around the country.

-Watching the power of partnerships, as Board members, staff members, volunteers, neighborhood advocates, elected representatives, city and county staff, and allies at all levels have worked together to make biking better.

I know the BTA will continue to do the good work that has made – and is making – bicycles a part of the fabric of our daily lives all around the region. And I know I'll be back to be a part of it – after all, who makes a better volunteer than a "retired" volunteer coordinator?

Thanks for six great years, and I look forward to working with you in the future,
Brita

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