2009 Climate Ride

This last week I had the opportunity to participate in a bike ride from New York City to Washington DC. Around 170 riders from all across the country joined together to raise awareness of climate change issues, especially the recently introduced Senate climate bill and upcoming talks in Copenhagen this December. We rode 300 miles over five days and had the evenings filled with speakers and movies. Most of these speakers were also riding with us. Some highlights were the Danish Ambassador to the US, biking infrastructure consultant Mikael Colville-Andersen, and No-Impact Man Colin Beavan. Upon reaching DC we were joined by many local cyclists and continued onto the Capitol where we were then greeted by an array of Senators, Representatives and environmental/non-profit leaders. The following day Focus the Nation had arrange for all of the riders to be able to meet with their Congresspersons and Senators to raise concerns and push for stronger legislation to mitigate the effects of global climate change. Focus the Nation was one of the recipients of monies raised by riders to participate in Climate Ride. As a Focus the Nation fellow I was on the ride to thank the other riders and to explain this co-op project to them. These discussions with others riders also helped generate many good ideas that we can hopefully implement as the co-op grows.

And growing it is, during my absence John continued getting the space ready for our quickly approaching opening, October 10th. We are still working out details but keep an eye out for a community bike ride, slow bike races, a bike in movie and hopefully some collaboration with Hills Horizons and the last Farmers Market of the season.

For more info/pictures of the Climate Ride check out www.climateride.org