When I am out on trips like this I like to do something to give back to the communities I am riding through. I try to highlight some organization that is doing humanitarian work in the area. Hopefully this brings more awareness to, and raises some money for, people doing good work. Since my path will take me along the migration routes from Central and South America I would like to give my support to No More Deaths/No Más Muertes.

No More Deaths is dedicated to saving the lives of migrants attempting to make the dangerous crossing into the United States through the deserts of Mexico and Arizona. People who have been forced out of their own countries by violence, poverty, and natural disasters are making their way across a landscape that is still wild and sparsely populated. It is easy to get lost and run out of supplies leading life threatening situations. Sadly many people lost here are never found. No More Deaths provides aid and support to people along both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. More than just water and food, they also perform search and rescue operations. They are trying to create a world where no one has to die in search of a better life. This issue hit home for me when crossing between California and Arizona. With temperatures spiking to 118° for a week I realized there were places that I could have been in danger. The desert is an unforgiving place. There were a few times where if I had not stopped I would have needed an emergency rescue. This is in spite of having all the resources I could get; a bicycle, all the water I could carry, and proper paved roads to navigate by. It is not hard to understand how dangerous it is for people who have limited resources.

Please take a moment to read about No More Deaths/No Más Muertes. If you feel moved, as I did, please consider making a donation, or look into other ways to help. Thank you. -Dravis