As I raised money for my first Pan-Mass Challenge ride, I promised to carry the names of loved ones touched by cancer with me during the two-day, two hundred mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown. But as the donations and the names rolled in, I realized I had a dilemma – how would I carry the names?

I found several examples of riders pinning names to the back of their jerseys, or even writing directly on the jersey in Sharpie marker, but I wanted something that I could wear not only on race day, but that would be with me throughout my training.

The inspiration for my ultimate solution – a wrap bracelet with the first names of each loved one – was inspired by bracelets from Good Work(s) Make a Difference. But instead of leather, I made the bracelet out of a recycled bike tube.

Having worn the bracelet on several rides, I have found it to be very comfortable – and each time I look down at the names on my bracelet, I’m reminded why I’ve taken on this particular challenge.

What you’ll need:

• Old inner tube (I used an old road tube from the Velo Studio)
• Quick drying glue
• Sharp scissors
• Paracord bracelet buckles (I went with sliver, but they also are available in plastic)
• Gold and Silver Metallic Permanent Paint Markers

Cut the old tube in half, then slice it open. Use a damp cloth to clean off the powder inside.

Fold the tube in half, using quick drying glue to seal together.

You will be left with a sold piece of rubber half the length of the original tube

Did you know tubes have lines? Turns out these are the perfect width for our bracelet.

Cut along the lines to create multiple bracelets. If you missed spots with glue, this is when it will show. I used a toothpick to add extra glue to any gaps.

Use tape to seal the ends temporarily.

Test your fit – you want it to wrap completely around your wrist several times – not too loose, or too tight.

Seal the ends with glue

Three bracelets ready to go!

Use super fine tip metallic pen to write the names.

Let the names dry, then get ready to ride!