June 10, 2016
Only ONE WEEK left until RIDETZ!! We have a couple more wonderful, enthusiastic people to introduce who complete 2016’s team of adventurers. Learn about all of the riders before they leave, and then make sure to follow along on our blog for updates on the journey as we post throughout the trip! They take off on June 18th for this once in a lifetime experience. Today, we are thrilled to introduce first-time rider and dedicated supporter, Amie Kiehn!
Where are you from?
What an excellent question…I am a Midwest kid with some California roots. I consider both Chicago and the Bay Area home.
What do you do for work?
I had the great luck and privilege to work with Meghann Gunderman’s champion mother Kathleen Hessert. The Gunderman women are quite exceptional and I got to experience their awe-inspiring leadership while working in the office in Charlotte, NC.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am now a SoulCycle addict after prepping my body for this glorious adventure with RideTZ. Riding has become such a soul-invigorating activity and I am forever grateful for RIDETZ to spur a new hobby. I also spend a lot of time activating my creative side (drawing, painting, writing and reading).
Who is your inspiration in life?
I have encountered many people who serve as inspirations, or #Warriors as I refer to them on social media. Some I only met at an airport gate for 10 minutes but they left a profound impact on me, and others have been dear friends for over 13 years who have reminded me of human strength and compassion. I have too many specifics to name right now so I suggest taking a 10 minute social media break and read about some awesome #Warriors (they are wearing shirts with the word #Warrior on them) here: https://www.instagram.com/amiekiehn
How did you hear about RIDETZ?
The energy around TFFT’s mission is electrifying when you share an office together! I was hearing from Ray, Maggie, Meghann and Kaitlin about the BRAVE work their whole team was cultivating and doing and it was natural to want to be a part of it. So when Meghann and Kaitlin told me about RIDETZ, I couldn’t help but think “Yes, this is what I want to do. I am going to prove to myself that I can do hard things” ….so I signed up.
What inspired you to ride this June?
Thinking about turning 28 this year I was feeling like I needed to do something terrifyingly brave to prove to myself that if I put my mind to something, I can do really hard things. I did a marathon in 2012 and it gave my body and life a serious shot of a adrenaline and helped to remind me that I should stop underestimating myself. I needed another shot of adrenaline and the mission and the goal of RideTZ matched with mine.
Are you celebrating any milestone with RIDETZ?
Soley personal – Don’t count Amie Kiehn out. She can do really hard things.
What is your favorite place to ride? (Besides Tanzania, of course!)
I relocated to the Bay Area recently and that surely has been my favorite place to ride (oh those hills!) because it’s picturesque every way you look. I’m a lucky gal…