Last year, I learned I potentially needed a risky operation to remove a cranial tumor. In this essay for @REI, I wrote about how biking helped me come to terms with the surgery and process the other hard parts of living with a rare chronic disease.

Notes: - You *do not* have to be a writer to submit. - This is early stages, so please don't feel obligated to send more than a line or two about your favorite memory. I will be in contact with more details if your story is a fit. Thanks⛺️

Real question: Why is it so hard to write a professional bio? Me at my computer right now: 🦗🦗🦗

Regarding my last Tweet (are they even still called that?): Thanks for all your emails. Due to the overwhelming response, I may not be able to get back to everyone. But I appreciate the outreach and look forward to reading through your pitches/notes over the next couple weeks.

Calling all writers who like camping, backpacking and the gear you need to do those things. I'm the camp and backpack editor at @REI and am open to pitches or even just a friendly hello from interested writers. Sound like you? Feel free to drop me a line at sgrothj@rei.com.

Last month, I chatted with the good folks at @atreyurunning about their no-frills approach to shoe design and their mission to appeal to runners of all levels.

And base layers.

Chronic disease = long doctor appointments. Luckily, this is just an annual. Multitasking this morning.

Friday night in your 30s.

RT @Duke_Best: Thanks @SarahGrothjan and @REI for the @BrinkVoting profile in January's Uncommon Path.

@nicholempowell @wearekinfield @ABCNetwork Oh my gosh! This is amazing! Definitely tuning in! Congrats, lady.

@MalloryMcMorrow Pachinko and anything by Kristin Hannah (I read three of her books this year, and they were delectable).

@chrisasolomon Congrats! Can't wait to read!

“When we’re talking about urban areas and land use, I wouldn’t refer to anything as easy. There are kinks that are getting worked out, but everyone continues to be more focused on getting the funds into the communities that would benefit the most.”

Rough day at the office. Had to binge the new #TSwift album in order to craft this tweet. Happy, happy Friday.

RT @REI: Hilaree was a force of nature and an inspiration to many. Our thoughts are with her family.

RT @REI: The national parks are more accessible than in years past, but some say they're still lacking important features. Advocates, trai…

RT @REI: Midterm elections have major impacts. Your state and local officials have the power to take action on real issues that affect the…