MADISON, Wis. (BRAIN) — Schwinn will partner with an LGBTQ+ advocate on a 363-mile bikepacking trip to amplify his inclusivity message in the outdoor industry.
Mikah Meyer, who once visited all 419 National Park Service sites in a single trip, will embark on his bikepacking quest along U.S. Highway 101 on the Oregon coast on May 16. A novice cyclist, Meyer said he hopes to encourage others to try a biking adventure.
Schwinn will provide equipment, food, and transportation. It also will have a film crew document the trip.
"Schwinn's partnership sends a powerful message that you don't have to be a certain type of person to be a cyclist," Meyer said. "Just as Schwinn is showing through their various partnerships with diverse people and organizations, it is possible to be something other than the dominant image, and still be part of the community."
Meyer recently founded Outside Safe Space, a program that encourages LGBTQ+ and diverse community support in rural and outdoor places. Outside Safe Space creates pins and stickers for outdoor industries to show support for inclusivity.
"Mikah's vision to create a space where all people feel welcomed and encouraged is something Schwinn is proud to be a part of," said Samantha Kraemer, Schwinn brand manager. "We're hopeful the bike across Oregon trip is the first of many bike trips for Mikah."
Meyer's passion for the outdoors was sparked at 19 after his father died. Because of their love for road trips, Meyer wanted to honor his father's legacy by completing his own road trip. That was just the beginning as he discovered the healing power of the outdoors.
After many journeys, he recognized the opportunity to create a more welcoming outdoor space for LGBTQ+ individuals. This was the beginning of Outside Safe Space.
Meyer will update his progress on Instagram.
