The Path of Most Resistance
We met Nichole Baker at our inaugural summit back in 2016. She’s a well-known Durangatang and a PA in the field of pathology. Having worked in the medical world since she was 19, Nichole is a seasoned health professional. But just because her day job isn’t outdoor-focused doesn’t mean her work doesn’t take her outdoors.
Nichole felt called to the field of pathology as she healed from the loss of her mother and first boyfriend, who both have inspired her in varying ways. Never one to idle, she founded a non-profit organization called Path of Logic in 2017, devoted to enhancing pathology services in developing countries. She regularly travels to Mbarara, Uganda where she works with a tight-knit team to improve the cancer diagnostic abilities of a pathology laboratory through education and process advancements. She helps improve their anatomic dissection skills and trains them to use an electronic medical record system she developed herself. “It’s amazing to see their progress every year,” she says. She recently returned from her fourth trip.
Nichole raises 50% of her fundraising goals for Path of Logic via her mountain bike. As a Pro Ambassador for Yeti Cycles, she is given bikes incrementally to use for adventuring as well as her trips to Africa, in exchange for storytelling along her journeys. The fundraising efforts go toward living expense stipends for the four residents, as well as laboratory supplies at the pathology lab in Mbarara.
Biking allows Nichole to explore Uganda intimately and freely. She and her trusty steed (Nala) cycle through Ugandan villages to distribute MPowerd lights to schools without electricity. Atypical for riding in Durango, she pedals alongside Zebras, ducks out of sight from aggressive buffalos, and giggles at warthogs (her favorite animal). In the past, Nichole has always ventured solo. Earning the trust of the locals is important to her — a woman on a bicycle helps bring guards down and opens lines of communication. But in order to better tell the Path of Logic story, Nichole knew the journey needed to be photographed. It wouldn’t be easy — cultural sensitivity is of utmost importance. Not only that, but shooting from a mountain bike on a bumpy dirt road isn’t exactly conducive to producing strong imagery.
Enter: Kylie Fly. A fellow alum and friend, Kylie is a seasoned photographer and world traveler. With the help of their sponsor Osprey, Nichole and Kylie joined forces and headed to East Africa. This time, they would also work on documenting a mountain biking festival in nearby Tanzania. Kylie enthusiastically handled production challenges — equipment battles with customs, rickety motorcycle rides through mud and rain, sleeping in tents along the way, among other logistical issues —but she did whatever it took to get the shots. If there’s one thing we love about Kylie (and trust us, there are many) it’s her upbeat and tenacious spirit. Both Nichole and Kylie are compassionate, intelligent, and energetic — the perfect team to tackle this project.
When she returns to her little home and dog Rae in Durango, Nichole still maintains very close contact with the residents. Even with a 13 hour difference, they communicate via Whatsapp and email everyday.
When asked what she values most about her trips to Uganda, Nichole responded, “earning local trust, building relationships and strengthening a community.” Each year Nichole and her team are able to make incredible progress in the lab but it can often feel like a slow process. What works best for other pathology labs might not work best for Uganda. “Global health is not a sprint,” says Nichole, “it’s important to understand what is sustainable there. Efficiency is key.” Much like a long mountain bike ride.
To stay up to date with Nichole follow her on instagram @nicholekbaker. If you’d like to learn more about Path of Logic and/or make a donation, click here.
Read Kylie’s story on their Africa experience on Osprey Packs’ blog.