Goodbye and thanks for everything!

Three years ago almost to the day, Steve hired me as a painting assistant. Since then I have painted and designed bikes, cut lugs, welded, brazed and polished, made graphics, written all kinds of things, wrangled cats, chased woodchucks, painted backdrops, set up two editions of the 'cross race, traveled, learned and gawked. It's been extraordinary.

In a few weeks I am moving to NY to get my Master's in industrial design. I'm super excited, but I'm going to miss Philadelphia a great deal. The best people I've met here have been cyclists: mechanics, volunteers, messengers, casual riders, serious tourers- everyone shares a sense of adventurous curiosity and generous kindness. When I travel, it's always the cyclists who are the warmest hosts and best tour guides. I feel privileged to have met so many great people.

One of the reasons I decided to go into industrial design is the potential to re-enter the bike industry as a designer in a few years. Design has always been my favorite aspect of the build process, and to do that full time is my dream job. We shall see.

I'll be back for the Junkyard Cross and the Expo of course, and if you want to keep track of me I have a personal blog that I update occasionally.

Note to self- biking with a bike on you is never fun.

Goodbye! I'll miss you all!

Isis
BCW

PS If anyone has a favorite bike co-op in Brooklyn that needs volunteers, let me know!