Larissa Powers, Bike Rider, is a Designing Woman

Larissa Powers has many talents. This middle school science teacher, who will pedal some 3,300 miles from Seattle June 18 to Washington D.C. August 4 on behalf of the American Lung Association has multiple talents.

Her athletic skills are just one of many things she can do with great aplomb. For one, the 29-year-old is an accomplished graphics designer.

She designed both the jersey worn by the American Lung Association riders, but she also designed the official jersey worn by the MICDS varsity bike team. Both are representative of the uncanny skills she has in this highly-specialized area.

"This is just something I enjoy doing,” she said modestly. Design is just a hobby of mine, I have no formal training. I have always enjoyed visual arts though, and taught myself how to use Adobe Creative Suite (it's an incredibly handy skill, even as a science teacher).

Powers grew up in New Hampshire and attended Union College where she earned a B.S. in Geology.  Her shirt design work is included with this article.

Going the Distance

The 48-day trip will take take the riders from the west and through a number of upper tier states including Montana, Wyoming, all of North and South Dakota and Minnesota. Included is the map of the route to be traveled on the Big Ride Across America.

She is extremely committed to the entire cause. "I'm doing this ride because I have had asthma my entire life and that I believe strongly that clean air must be protected for the good of the public. I also believe that lung diseases are preventable and the American Lung Association does wonderful work helping people reduce their risk."

"They also support research to treat and cure these diseases, but I'm glad that one of these organizations is actually looking at prevention."

There is still plenty of time and opportunity to join Larissa and make a donation on her behalf. She has raised in excess of $7,000 in donations with an overall goal of more than $9,000. She has nearly completed her highest goal.

This is the best way to take part and donate to Larissa's ride across America.

This is Larissa's Facebook page. Come along for the ride and stay up to date with reports all summer long.