I’m Wendy Tong, the producer of The Final Thirty: A Return to the Pacific Coast, an independent documentary about Risa August’s return to finish the last thirty miles of her unfinished Pacific Coast bicycle journey. Years ago, a wildfire forced Risa off Highway 1, leaving that final stretch of her 1,845-mile ride incomplete. Now, after years of living with and advocating around a brain tumor diagnosis, Risa is returning to ride those missing miles. We are preparing to film this deeply personal moment, and I’m raising funds to help our small independent team capture it with the care it deserves while keeping the film true to its heart.

Your support will help us cover the real out-of-pocket costs of bringing this documentary from pre-production through filming and post-production, including crew, camera and sound equipment, travel and transportation, production insurance, media storage, editing, sound design, color correction, music, and final delivery. Much of the work on this project is already being contributed in-kind by our filmmakers and collaborators, and Risa is also personally contributing to the film. Every donation will help us close the remaining gap, support our team, and create a finished film that can reach audiences through festivals, community screenings, health advocacy organizations, and cycling communities.

If this story speaks to you, I would be so grateful for your help. Whether you donate, share this fundraiser, or simply follow Risa’s journey, you are helping bring this film to life. I believe many of us have our own “final thirty”—an interrupted dream, an unfinished chapter, or a place we still hope to return to. Thank you for believing in this story and for helping us bring Risa’s journey to the screen.