In the Galápagos, sustainability is a fundamental philosophy of local culture and policy, further emphasized by the islands’ remoteness and subsequent scarcity of certain resources. Santa Cruz Island is home to roughly 20,000 people—over half of the human population of the archipelago—with smaller agricultural communities spread far beyond its main coastal town of Puerto Ayora.
I’ve had the privilege of leading trips in the Galápagos over the last three years. In addition to the endless delights of the wildlife and natural environment, it’s been the human culture and community relationships that have most deeply strengthened my connection to the region.
Between trips, I enjoy collaborating with local organizations on public art and mobility projects. On Santa Cruz, where conservation values and resourcefulness influence nearly every aspect of daily life and long-term planning, even small shifts in how people move through their communities can have an outsized impact.
Give Back in Action
When Backroads rolled out a new fleet of bicycles for Multi-Adventure trips in Ecuador, I proposed designating 15 of the replaced touring bikes for a Give Back Field Project—donating them to community members in El Cascajo, Santa Cruz Island’s most geographically peripheral community.
To accompany the donation, I wanted to offer each bike recipient a hands-on workshop focused on bike mechanics, maintenance and safe riding practices, ensuring the bicycles could be used confidently and sustainably for years to come.
With the support of the Give Back Field Project, not only was I given the opportunity to donate the bicycles, but I was also able to purchase tool kits, frame bags and patch kits, along with gel seats, water bottles and helmets for each participant—making long-term bike ownership more accessible.
In addition to cleaning and tuning each bike, I worked with several community members from El Cascajo to thoughtfully assign bicycles based on sizing, need and potential benefit. I sent out personalized invitations and confirmed participation for the half-day workshop, which was hosted at Highland View Farm on the outskirts of the community.
On January 11, 2026, trip prep specialist Zoltán Zillmann and I kicked off the four-hour workshop with a catered breakfast and introductions, taking the time to understand each participant’s experience and comfort level with cycling.
We discussed bike safety and maintenance, including considerations specific to the highlands’ road conditions and humidity, as well as strategies for preventing saltwater wear.
Participants learned essential skills such as fixing flat tires, adjusting saddles and stems, and performing routine safety checks. This practical knowledge reduces reliance on limited—and often costly—bike repair options on the island.
After rounds of educational and hands-on mechanical practice, we regrouped for a creative safety activity: customizing helmets with photoluminescent, glow-in-the-dark paint to improve visibility while personalizing the renovated gear.
The workshop concluded with individual bike fittings and one-on-one support for each rider, before participants rode away on their hot new wheels.
Ripples then Waves
El Cascajo is home to about 300 people, and the impact of these 15 bikes extends far beyond the individual recipients. Improved mobility means easier access to schools, markets, farmland and community resources—especially for residents who previously relied on long walks due to limited transportation options.
Each new rider becomes an ambassador for sustainable mobility, sharing skills and knowledge with family members and neighbors. In a place where environmental stewardship is deeply woven into daily life, bicycles offer a practical, zero-emission solution that aligns seamlessly with local values.
It was incredibly special to lead this project with the support of colleagues and community partners. With funding from the Backroads Give Back Field Project program, this initiative supported local partners, provided food, created space for exchange and dialogue and offered an experience that felt celebratory, thoughtful and rooted in community mobility.
The Give Back Field Project program provides invaluable opportunities for Backroads field staff to initiate meaningful community engagement and investment. I feel deeply honored to have facilitated this workshop and donation on behalf of the company. What made this project especially meaningful to me wasn’t just the measurable outcomes, but the tone of the day—energized, engaging and collaborative.
In the Galápagos, where Backroads has a long-standing operational presence, it is my hope that the bike workshop and donation helped strengthen relationships while responding thoughtfully to the local context. It felt like a meaningful step toward deeper connection, shared stewardship and increased accessibility for a community that welcomed us with open arms.
From Some of the Recipients
Juliana:
Me siento muy agradecida con este bello Gesto de Mitra y su compañía que llegaron a nosotros con esta donación de bicicletas ya q yo venía anhelando tener una para hacer deporte y porq me gusta manejar hace dos años q no podía realizar esta actividad en nuestra zona.
Hoy gracias a Backroads lo puedo realizar porq sin pensar obtuve este fabuloso regalo sorpresa.🥰🫂.
Millón gracias a todos ustedes e infinitas Bendiciones en su compañía y trabajo 🤝
I feel very grateful for this beautiful gesture from Mitra and her team, who came to us with this donation of bicycles. I had been longing to have one to exercise and because I enjoy riding; for two years I hadn’t been able to do this activity in our area.
Today, thanks to Backroads, I am able to do it, because without expecting it, I received this wonderful surprise gift. 🥰🫂
A million thanks to all of you, and infinite blessings for your company and your work. 🤝
Héctor:
Gracias Mitra y su compañía por este gesto de regalarnos una bicicleta para poder hacer deporte es un apoyo fundamental para la salud y bienestar de nosotros. Gracias Backroads por traernos este regalo y de mi parte me voy a divertir mucho 👍🤝
Thank you to Mitra and her team for this gesture of gifting us a bicycle so we can exercise. It is a fundamental support for our health and well-being. Thank you, Backroads, for bringing us this gift. On my part, I am going to enjoy it a lot. 👍🤝
Jason:
Muy feliz la verdad ya que gracias a ustedes el ya es podido transportar e a cualquier lugar que dese la verdad fue una gran ayuda para my ya que gracias al taller que nos dieron ya puedo arreglar la bisi en caso de que se me desinfle o ponche la verdad estoy muy feliz y quiero desir le que les vaya bien y gracias por el apollo que nos brindaron.
I am truly very happy because thanks to you I am now able to get around to any place I want. It was a great help for me, especially because thanks to the workshop you gave us, I now know how to fix the bike in case it gets a flat or punctured tire. I am honestly very happy and I want to wish you well and thank you for the support you gave us.
Ana:
Para mí está donación tuvo un gran significado ya q el cual me beneficia y me ayudó a superar el miedo de andar en bici. ☺️ Gracias a Backroads pude vencer el miedo y ya estoy aprendiendo más y e perdido bastante el miedo. 🤭
For me, this donation had great significance because it benefited me and helped me overcome my fear of riding a bike. ☺️ Thanks to Backroads I was able to overcome that fear, and I’m already learning more and have lost a lot of my fear. 🤭
