I made this Slide Deck that does a better job capturing me, and it has photos.

About Me:

Maslow's Hierarchy might be pseudo-science, but I find that I've been the healthiest version of myself since moving to Bend and building a community. I moved here in the last year of my early thirties and landed in a group of friends that make this place feel like home. I feel secure in my friendships and community and am now searching for a rad partner to share Bend and the PNW with.

Mountain biking, snowboarding/skiing, open-water swimming, and hiking are my main sports, and I'd like to share some of these sports with you.

I find myself feeling most complete when sharing the forest trails with another partner— You won't find me on many extreme rides. I'm not pushing for KOMs or forcing myself to keep pace when I'm not feeling it. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm here to enjoy my leisure time and be able to ride or hike again tomorrow.

Keeping my health span as long as possible by looking after myself is critical to me, and I use the wilderness as my gym but sometimes, in the winter, you'll find me swimming laps at the rec center. I also have some homebody introvert and event-going extrovert tendencies— I don't drink or smoke weed, so the bar scene isn't my jam, but you can catch me at a screening, reading at a cafe, enjoying the local arts scene, or at Friday Night Magic.

Also! Over the last few years, I've done a lot of work in therapy and focusing on myself, and I continually seek to grow and improve as a person. As a result, I feel at peace with myself and am excited to share it with you.

Last, my politics are left, and I'm actively engaged-- I show up to protests and volunteer for voter outreach. In my mind, building a bigger table for the working class is the only way forward as a society.

Oh! Also, I can't/won't have any kids of my own (vasectomy).

About You:

I'm flexible about many things, but I'm searching for a partner who is single and monogamous, considerate, kind, and loving.

Also, I'd like a partner with the same level of outdoor engagement and fitness as me. Most people like being outdoors, hiking, camping, etc., and are interested in things like biking and backpacking, but I do them—and I'd like a partner with whom I can share these activities. I want to meet someone with the same natural inclinations as me to push out into the backcountry, holler down flow trails, and plan outdoorsy-focused trips to new locations around the US/World.

I'm a big believer in partnerships, where both partners are seen and heard and make space for each other needs and wants. I also hope nonviolent communication is a big part of how you talk to others and yourself.

Wrapping up!

In closing, Bend, Oregon, feels like my place. I'm putting down roots - I have a community of fellow remote workers who are becoming more and more of a family.

Bend is a place where everyone seems open to making new friends as it's attracted outdoorsy transplants who have been priced out of everywhere else in close proximity to wilderness -- so it's home. That's not to say it's an inexpensive place to live -- it's just less expensive than, say, Truckee or Whitefish.

If I sound like a match for you, message me, and let's chat. If this sounds like a match for a single friend of yours, please send my essay along!

I'm rooting for you to find your person! Good luck out there!