Cycling to fight sex trafficking

This year, local, Kim Sharp stopped by The Wahkiakum Eagle to let us know “Their back!!!” When asked to whom she was referring, she smiled and handed me a business card which read, “Pedal The Pacific - Cycling for a World Where People are Not for Sale.” This year’s group of seven women are cycling from Seattle to San Diego to raise awareness, educate peers, fundraise for leading nonprofits, and develop leaders who believe that no voice is too small to make a difference. I had the privilege of getting to know these extraordinary women and agreed to meet at the Rivermile 38 Brewery for a drink. I wanted to know why each of them signed up for this adventure. Every year, a new group of women show up on their bikes with their van and stop by to visit with fellow supporters here in Cathlamet. Steve and Kim Sharp have hosted these women for the past three years. When I arrived at the brewery I was warmly greeted with smiles and laughter. They were on the first leg of their journey and were very eager and happy to share with me what the first five days have been like so far on their trip. One of the women, Gracie Hornung explained there is an application and interview process. Seven were chosen to be a part of this year’s team. They have all grown very close in the five short days they have been together and said that they already feel like a family. These women come from all over the United States and when asked why they are doing this, the conversation became more serious,as Hornung shared how “sex trafficking can happen at any time to any woman or girl and is the most hidden form of abuse in our country.” When asked how much money they have raised so far, and team member Chloe Aguilar enthusiastically shared that, “We have been on the road for five days now and have raised 50K!” All of the seven cyclers will trade off driving the van, following the group of five cyclers and making sure they are taken care of along the way. If you would like to find out more information and make a donation to the cause you can follow them on their journey on Facebook at “Pedal The Pacific” or on Instagram @pedalthepacific.