– We are pleased to share this translation of the original post by SimWorks USA. -
Have you ever visited the "About Us" page on the SimWorks website? At SimWorks, we aim to connect people and ideas across continents, realizing excellent cycling-related products that accompany the lifestyles of cyclists around the world. Our commitment is simple: with the sentiment of "Between You and Me," we believe we can build community and nurture every connection through bicycles and lifestyle goods.
At the heart of SimWorks’ operations, it is essential to carefully cultivate relationships with designers, manufacturers, shops, and customers. Our vital role is to support these connections and create a shared space where ideas and inspiration can flow freely. From "hard goods" like bike frames and parts to "soft goods" that enrich daily life, our products are not just for sale. Every item, from t-shirts to bottles and bandanas, carries its own unique story.
Desert Animal Collection
Desert Animal Long Sleeve
Long sleeve shirts are perfect for bike rides in any season. The back features a pop illustration of desert creatures, delivering a fun surprise to the friends riding behind you and many others. In addition to a classic long sleeve fit, they have been washed for a soft, comfortable feel.
Desert Animal Water Bottle
Hydration with Desert Animal
Staying hydrated is even more fun with these water bottles featuring cute desert creatures. With the creatures drawn all around, they will be your constant companion.
Desert Animal Bandana
This is a cute and highly functional bandana that helps you have fun learning about various desert creatures. It is perfect for wearing around your neck, wrapping up a bento or a gift, or adding a little fun to your outdoor adventures.
Meeting Molly Sugar
I first met Molly (Molly Sugar) during a dirt bike packing trip on the Deschutes River Trail in 2018. For me (Rie), having just moved from Japan to Portland, this was my first adventure. I barely knew anyone in Portland at the time, but a few friends invited me on an overnight bikepacking trip with ten local women cyclists. I was nervous at first, but surrounded by women who shared the same love for cycling and the outdoors, I was able to relax quickly. That was where I met Molly. You can find the details of that ride here.
This ride sparked my love for women-only bikepacking trips, and I ended up participating in the first WTF Bikexplorers Summit held in 2018. You can see a recap of that summit here.
Molly is a co-founder of what was originally called WTF Bikexplorers, now known as "Radical Adventure Riders," and has had a profound impact on the cycling community. She is also the founder of "Friends on Bikes," a social cycling group in the Pacific Northwest for women, transgender, and non-binary people of color. As someone who identifies as a woman of color, these communities have been incredibly welcoming, and Molly’s community work is a major reason for that.
Over time, Molly and her partner Skyler became close friends. They organized the "Super Chill Solstice Bikepacking Ride" and taught me the allure of relaxed, enjoyable rides. I was so sad when Molly moved to Tucson, Arizona, but her move became the catalyst for me to dream of riding the scenic desert trails under the towering cacti myself.
In February 2023, I finally visited Tucson with my bike, and I was able to enjoy a birthday ride and party with Molly and our mutual friend, Selina. The dry air of the Tucson desert felt so comfortable to me, coming from the rainy season in Portland, and riding through the desert in the dry Arizona climate was truly a dream come true.
The following year (which is 2024), we reached out to Transit Cycles, an excellent SimWorks dealer in Arizona, to host a SimWorks pop-up. We commissioned Molly, who is active locally, to design the flyer. That flyer turned out truly wonderful, and we received many positive messages about the design from so many people.
Molly has been a cherished friend for many years, and she builds truly wonderful communities herself. I wanted to create bandanas, t-shirts, bottles, and more using her designs! And I hope that one day, many people will go to Arizona to enjoy cycling.
A Quick Chat with Molly on the Collection
Taking this collaboration as an opportunity, I asked Molly to introduce herself again and share the inspiration behind the Desert Animal design.
1. Please introduce yourself.
My name is Molly Sugar—yes, that’s my real name! For the past two years, I’ve been spending my time soaking up the sun and getting sandy in Tucson, Arizona.
What makes me happiest is the time spent outdoors. I love camping, bikes (gravel, MTB, bikepacking), and trail running. Recently, I did a 7-day bike tour in my home country of South Korea, from Seoul to Busan. My next dream is to go on a bike tour in Japan in the fall of 2025!
Currently, I work from 9 to 5 as a Senior Product Designer for The Dyrt, a campsite search website and app. Also, as a co-founder of Radical Adventure Riders, I am involved in activities to promote gender inclusivity and racial equity in cycling and the outdoors.
This winter, I plan to work on small freelance projects related to cycling and the outdoors. It’s even more fun when illustration is involved!
2. Tell us about the appeal of Tucson.
Tucson is beautiful. The contrasting landscapes of the Sonoran Desert are special. Looking at the towering cacti and the high mountains behind the palm trees moves me. The sunsets here are the most beautiful, especially in the monsoon summer.
Tucson is the best city for outdoor lovers. You can easily access mountain bike trails and gravel roads. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and climbing areas nearby.
And one last thing—the Mexican food is incredibly delicious!
3. Why did you choose these creatures for the SimWorks design?
The SimWorks graphics were inspired by my favorite desert creatures. Many of them, such as coyotes, roadrunners, tarantulas, and Sonoran toads, I see while riding around town. Others, like the Sonoran desert tortoise, I’ve only seen once while gravel riding.
I haven’t seen a scorpion yet, but I don’t intend to cross it off my list. (They are one of the creatures that actually live here.)
4. What is your favorite ride in the desert?
For bikepacking, I love Ironwood National Forest. This area is quiet, beautiful, and close to the city. I created an overnight bikepacking route there so more people could enjoy it. You can check the details here: https://bikepacking.com/routes/ironwood-overnighter/
For mountain biking, I ride in Tucson Mountain Park the most. It’s convenient to access because it connects to the city. I learned a lot about desert riding here. The singletrack is rocky and slippery, and with thorny cacti growing on both sides, there’s no room for error. There are so many trails, so I enjoy connecting different sections depending on the mood.
Thank You, Molly!
I am sincerely grateful to Molly for designing the Desert Animal Collection, which allows us to learn about the various creatures of the desert while having fun. I would also like to thank Skyler for his help in taking wonderful photos in Tucson. We will be hosting SimWorks pop-ups in the U.S. again this winter. We look forward to seeing you there!
