Ally Anderson Sellers

The leap from tricycle to bicycle is a milestone for kids everywhere. To me, a bike was a gateway to the world-the “world” being the neighboring streets outside of my neighborhood. I begged my parents to put my tricycle in the attic and teach me how to ride a bicycle. After a few lessons I rode my bicycle up and down the street by myself. I felt certain I could ride my bike around the lake at my favorite park…I was mistaken.

SPLASH! Into the lake I went. My mom dove in after me, pulling me and then my bike out. I was shaken up-and not to mention I was soaking wet-but my desire to see the vast streets of the Atlanta suburbs told me to try again. A few days later, I was back at the same park, biking laps around the lake. I had my ticket to the world.

I quickly learned that a bike wouldn’t unlock the wonders of the world for me-especially with the half mile radius limit my parents gave me. I would have to wait to find another way to see the world. My Freshman year of highschool I joined a hiking club and I absolutely loved it. I loved how it tired you out whilst rewarding you with a beautiful view at the end. Despite Covid ending the club, I continued to hike independently, practicing for bigger and better hikes. This past summer I was able to hike in Yosemite National Park in California. Seeing El Capitan at the end of my hike was probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. At the top of the hike I thought of my young self, wanting so badly to see the world on her pink and yellow bicycle. It felt good to know that I was keeping my promise to her, finding ways for us to see the world.

My love for travel and determination to see the natural world is a huge part of who I am and what I do in my free time. When you can’t find me atop a mountain or running on a dirt trail, I am probably planning my next trip to cross another natural wonder off my bucket list.