I have been volunteering with the Asha for Education Seattle biking program since 2017. As part of the biking team, I support ride-day operations by helping new riders with biking etiquette, navigation, safety guidance, and resolving any issues that come up during rides. Over the years, I have participated in 6 STPs. Beyond ride support, I also volunteer as a Project Steward for Asha, where I help manage project funding processes, review utilization of funds, and support project auditing activities to ensure accountability and impact for the communities we support. I have been volunteering with the Asha Biking Team since 2018. I enjoy volunteering with the Asha Biking Team because it brings together fitness, teamwork, and social impact in a very meaningful way. The biking program creates a strong sense of community while helping raise funds for educational initiatives that positively impact underserved children in India. I also enjoy mentoring and supporting new riders, helping them gain confidence and become part of the biking community. It is rewarding to contribute both on the ride days and through project stewardship activities that help ensure the funds are used effectively. One fun fact about me is: as part of volunteering, I conducted a flat-fixing session for new riders during the 2024 season. Apparently, I became too good at it because throughout the season I ended up fixing flats 8–9 times — not always mine, but usually someone in my riding group! By the end of the season, riders jokingly started keeping their distance from me, thinking flats were contagious. To complete the streak, during my Gran Fondo ride that year, I got a flat on my own bike just 9 miles before the finish line. At that point, I even started suspecting myself!https://seattle.ashanet.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/05/Mandar-pic.jpeg