Climate Ride NYC-DC 2012
May 19 - 23, 2012 | 5 Days | 300 Miles
I wasn't sure if I was going to sign-up for the Climate Ride again this year. Don't get me wrong -- I wanted to sign up; my experience in 2011's edition was nothing but positive. It was an extremely well run event where I was surrounded by 149 like-minded cyclists intent to make a difference out on 350 miles (I of course had to add in extra 50 miles to the ride's standard 300) of mostly quiet back roads. It also was an event that required me to raise $2,400 (which I failed to do, so I had to donate a big chunk of my own money), and that's why I had reservations on doing the ride again 2012.
I had no doubt that I would do the ride again eventually, but I wasn't so keen on going back to the well so soon looking for donations. I am certain that in my fund raising efforts for 2011, I became so annoying in my persistent reminders and nagging that mail filters had me re-routed to Spam folders. And I know there were a few people who dug deep in order to support the cause, and now I need to come knocking on their doors seeking their generous support yet again.
So why am I now signed up yet again?
Two great causes
In general, I've had a pretty great stretch recently. Work has dramatically picked up, giving me ample opportunities every day to feel as though I've made a difference. Its not just busy work -- I'm involved in things that put my skills to good use, and I regularly see that my efforts have helped to improve things and to help move things in the right direction.
Work isn't too crazy though such that I don't have time to keep up with my training for 2012's racing season. While I do have to get most of my work-outs in before anyone in the Desmarais household is even thinking of ending the night's slumber, I'm now accustomed to the less flexible work schedule and I'm confident my progress on the bike right now will have me doing well come springtime.
And pretty much all of the other important things in my life (most notably Mrs D and the girls) seem to be headed in the right direction -- onwards and upwards.
But there's one big exception. One part of my life where I still give myself a big fat F. While I talk a lot about how little is being done about Global Warming (or Global Weirding as some have started to call it), and I certainly read a lot about how things are unquestionably getting worse, I still don't do a lot.. At best I'm a passive complainer, still searching for ways to make a difference but without much to show thus far.
So without an idea yet as to what significant actions I can take to do more, I go back to what I do best. Ride my bike and hope that I can convince people to contribute to two great causes (350.org and Rails to Trails).
Oh, and if you do make a contribution, you'll be helping me to support two other great causes -- a world I hope my 2 girls inherit without wars fought over ever more scarce resources; a world not ravaged by ever more devastating floods; and a world with a thriving economy based upon local clean tech energy. So if you want to make a difference and make sure the two great causes pictured below inherit a world worth cycling in, please consider making a secure, tax-deductible donation here.
About the Climate Ride (from their website):
The mission of Climate Ride is to inspire and empower citizens to work toward a new energy future. We use sport as a means to change lives and build an effective, citizen-based sustainability movement.
Climate Ride Program Goals
- Raise money for groundbreaking sustainability, climate, clean energy, and bicycle-related projects and organizations.
- Raise the profile of renewable energy and the green economy among participants, donors, sponsors, and the general public.
- Increase awareness and understanding of the inter-connectedness of environmental issues caused by the climate crisis among participants, donors, sponsors, and the general public.
- Foster a sense of civic duty and participation that encourages engagement with members of Congress, elected officials, and national leaders.
- Promote the bicycle as a viable, carbon-free, healthy, and critical component of a green transportation infrastructure.
- Motivate individuals to take responsibility for reducing their carbon and energy footprint.
- Develop multiple Climate Ride events that galvanize a worldwide network of Climate Riders.
About 350.org (from their website)
350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Our online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.
About Rais to Trails (from their website)
Our Mission
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., whose mission it is to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.
