My family and friends are already familiar with my experience biking from New York City to Washington, D.C. last September as part of the first annual
Climate Ride. For those who are new, I invite you to view my
Climate Ride blog. I am not
one of those crazy people who rides 200 miles every week in all weather conditions a "gearhead," so this ride was something I trained for. I am still so proud of myself for doing it - fundraising, training, traveling, and riding - all on my own. It is an experience I will never forget.
Climate Ride is recruiting new riders for 2009, and I would encourage anyone who cares about environmental issues to consider joining. The ride is all about coming together with others who care about climate change to build synergy, spread the word, and show commitment for powerful climate change legislation.
Along the way I met amazing people. Two girls I rode with the entire 320 miles! We came to depend on each other as hills loomed ahead, the miles dragged on, we lost feeling in our limbs. For the three of us, the ride was truly pushing our physical limits. Finishing (without the dreaded sag wagon) was a huge personal victory, as well as statement about our commitment to the climate. I can pretty much guarantee that more than half of my waking hours are devoted to thinking about how to make a greener choice, and to find a group of people that inspire me to keep at that work is invaluable.
Concerned about fundraising? If you work for a nonprofit or have something to contribute to the program, consider applying for a
fellowship. Going the fundraising route? Keep in mind that
Clean Air-Cool Planet and
Focus the Nation are truly worthwhile beneficiaries. I am particularly impressed with this portion of CA-CP's mission: "We partner with companies, campuses, communities and science centers to help reduce their carbon emissions." The closest model we have in the Seattle area is the mayor's Seattle Climate Partnership and Seattle Climate Action Now program. Seattle Art Museum has taken the lead in the world of green museums, but SAM and our peer organizations would greatly benefit from the work of a group like CA-CP.
What's life without a challenge? I know that having an event in mind helps me to reach my personal fitness goals. Add in a love for the environment, and every turn of the pedals has new meaning.
Here are a few photo highlights of my experience:
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