Registration is filling up fast. Mark your calendar and register today!
Full disclosure: I rode the Climate Ride for the Alliance in 2013 and had a total blast. Climate Ride’s rockstar staff do an exceptional job of creating a fun, engaging, and even luxurious experience out of the challenging multi-day ride. The vistas alone were well worth the sweat we expended on rolling hills: every day, we savored stunning views of big, open sky covering patchwork farms, picturesque grain silos and Amish garments stretched out on clotheslines.
Each night, all two hundred riders cozied up in rural retreat centers and off-season summer camps to enjoy hearty meals and engaging talks from folks working in climate advocacy and sustainable transportation. And on the final day, we pedaled triumphantly along the National Mall to the Capitol Building, ready to speak with our elected officials about the importance of passing legislation to ensure a sustainable future.
Perhaps the best part of Climate Ride, though, is that individual riders' fundraising dollars go towards supporting great causes. Last year, the top fundraising teams for both Climate Ride events were local members of the Alliance for Biking & Walking — on the California ride, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition's team raised the most funds, while the Washington Area Bicyclist Association brought in the most dollars on the East Coast ride. Each organization will receive a generous portion of the funds that their teams raised for the ride — a major win for local bike advocacy.
To participate in the Climate Ride, you'll pay the registration fee of $100 and then raise $2,800 for organizations committed to work on clean energy, sustainability, climate education and bicycle advocacy. In past years, the Climate Ride has raised thousands of dollars for active transportation advocacy organizations, inlucind the Alliance for Biking & Walking and many of our members. You can designate the Alliance and any number of Alliance member organizations as your beneficiaries in 2014!
Daunted by the fundraising requirement? Don't be! The Climate Ride is a fantastic opportunity to hone your fundraising skills and raise valuable dollars for your favorite advocacy organization. And - it's a great way for organizations to engage membership and supporters. Sign up and start fundraising today!
