MISSION STATEMENT
GIVING BACK
Marin County is the birthplace of modern mountain and gravel riding. Each year thousands of cyclists flock to Marin in order to enjoy its beautiful landscape for recreation. But the history of the land and its people are often not known to those who enjoy it. The Coast Miwok people were the original stewards of the land in Marin. The land we enjoy and ride on today was once their home. But acknowledgement of their existence isn't well known in the community. Besides some names of land in the county and some structures at Olompali state park there is not much around to acknowledge and honor their history and present existence. Today the Coast Miwok are working to share and preserve their culture.
Their efforts were made much more known in a recent petition of a local cyclist, Lauren Brown, who started a movement to change the name of the main cycling route into Marin From Sir Francis Drake to something that honored the Miwok people.
This event spurred further efforts to support the Coast Miwok efforts and to help preserve their culture. As cyclists who benefit from the sport of dirt riding, and the land, it should be our duty to help the Coast Miwok in their efforts.
This project aims to sell artwork inspired by the land to raise funds for their projects to preserve their culture in ways they see fit. Additionally, funds raised will also go to Trips for Kids Marin to help make cycling accessible for all. The goal for this fundraiser is to help cyclists show their support of these efforts by purchasing soft goods and prints to help financially back this project. And to spread awareness to this cause and movement.
As an artist and cyclist who has benefited from these lands I want to give back to first peoples by using my skills and interests in order to help raise funds and awareness to their efforts.
I am not here to speak for the Coast Miwok or Indigenous people.
My goal with this art is to help the cycling community support this effort so that the Coast Miwok and Indigenous people can share their history and culture with you in their own words, and on their terms.
It is also my desire to help all people experience nature through cycling by supporting local programs who help bring cycling to underserved communities. This project also aims to help make cycling a sport that everyone can access in order to enjoy the beauty of the local lands.