I’m Brandy Machado, a queer writer and filmmaker living in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after graduating from college, I embarked on a solo, self-supported bicycle tour from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Portland, Oregon. The following spring, I would do another solo trip, biking 1,000 miles around Ireland. Both trips were life-changing, forcing me to confront my perceived limitations and helping me find myself along the way. They also inspired me to want to tell the stories of other women who have done similar trips.

In 2016, as a student at the Northwest Film Center, I directed a short documentary that did just that. The film explored the empowerment, joy, and growth that the women experienced on their tours, as well as the sometimes difficult realities of such trips and traveling alone as a woman.

From the start of that project, I knew I wanted to revisit it later with fresh eyes, more film experience, and better equipment and resources. Over the last decade, I've developed as a filmmaker, gained experience across multiple production roles, became a Part-107 Certified Drone Pilot, and traveled the country working on film projects. I believe I have reached a place where I can truly do this project and the women’s stories justice and make a film that is both moving and exciting.

In addition to featuring other women who have done solo bike tours, I plan to do another solo ride this spring, biking over 1,500 miles from the Oregon Coast to the California-Mexico border, documenting my experiences along the way via confessional-style videos that track my emotional journey on the trip, and gathering footage of me biking against the backdrop of the striking Pacific coastline.

Though this film focuses on solo tours, it’s not something I can do alone. I have brought on additional crew members to help film and advisors to guide me, and I am now seeking funding via grants, private donations, and this campaign. Successful completion of this project requires a significant investment in gear, travel, and pay for crew members, along with other miscellaneous expenses involved in making a film. That’s where you come in. I need your support to raise the funds to make this film happen. By donating and/or sharing this campaign, you are helping tell the powerful and inspiring stories of these women and bringing to fruition a decade-long dream of mine.

Thank you for coming along for the ride!