I remember the summer trying to learn to ride without training wheels on my bike – I bet many of us do. In my case, it was my dad grasping the back of my banana seat and running next to me, cheering me on as I swerved and squealed nervously trying to get my balance. And I remember the moment, pedaling so smoothly and feeling free – and then looking back and having terror morph to joy as I realized he had let go of my seat and I was pedaling on my own. Now for years, biking has been a key way I power myself to my destinations.
This summer, right after the Tour de France wraps up, the first ever Pacific Northwest Climate Ride is coming up on August 4-9. This is one of many bicycle rides and hikes all over the country raising support for climate, sustainability, and active transportation. Climate Solutions has three motivated cyclists who are raising funds to go to our organization as one of their Climate Ride beneficiaries. Now, you’re needed to give them that needed push to get them on their way.
Here's where you can learn more about the riders, the groups they are supporting including us, and cheer them on with a contribution:
Kathe Fowler – support her here! UPDATE: Kathe writes, "unfortunately, I had a bike accident that resulted in a broken arm. However, I am definitely on the mend and hope to be back in the saddle soon." Get well quick Kathe! Anna Quigley will be riding in Kathe's place.
Eileen V. Quigley – support her here!
Scott Luchessa – support him here!
Sometimes, addressing the climate crisis can feel like a long uphill climb in the rain with a headwind and no crest of the top in sight. But from having taken on many hills, I know the challenges are real and rocky but they are surmountable. If we ride together, we can raise the support, fix the flats, and power up the hardest terrain.
The Climate Ride is both part of that work and also a celebration of all that we can accomplish together.
Now with my kids I work to instill a love of two wheels (or in the case of my daughter, still four with her training wheels rattling behind her) and also care for our planet. Like Tour de France, cycling wheel-to-wheel in a larger group harnesses the aerodynamic forces to keep us all swiftly moving forward as one and getting to our destination faster and more efficiently. This movement needs people and organizations and also each of us to use our personal power to push for climate solutions.
I hope you take a minute to support our Climate Riders—any contribution will give them more wind at their backs as they climb towards their fundraising goals.
Let’s keep pedaling hard toward progress and our destination of brighter future with broadly shared prosperity.
