About Climate Ride

Join the National Bike Ride to Support Climate and Energy Solutions

Climate Ride is a fully supported, 5-day fundraising bike ride.  You have two rides to choose from:  Climate Ride California, September 21-25, 2010 or the flagship New York City to Washington DC ride planned for May 2011. It’s the ride of a lifetime through some of America's most beautiful landscapes.  Join the community of Climate Riders for world class biking and the chance to meet and network with leaders in climate, renewable energy and environmental causes.

Climate Ride California:  The charity ride begins near Eureka in the midst of Northern California's majestic redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants.  From there we travel along the coast, soaking in expansive ocean views and coastal bluffs.  On the fourth day, we pedal inland along the Russian River to cruise through California's famed Wine Country, considered some of the best cycling in the US.  The final day is an epic ride through Marin and across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach our final destination, San Francisco.

Climate Ride NYC-DC:  The ride begins with a pedal through the heart of Manhattan to a ferry that will carry us off the island and across New York Harbor.  From there we travel along country roads passing through Princeton, crossing the Susquehanna River, and into Pennsylvania Amish Country.  After a day of pedaling past farms and silos in Amish Country, we reach Maryland horse country. On the fifth day, riders cycle past the iconic Washington Monument to arrive at the U.S. Capitol.  A highlight of the ride is that Climate Ride arranges appointments for every rider to personally meet with her/his Congressional representative. It makes a big impression to pedal 300 miles to meet your senator.

The Expert Speaker Series

Each evening of the ride, expert speakers educate and inspire Climate Riders about the climate crisis, the green economy, and energy issues. Our riders and the communities we pass through learn that our government, businesses, and each individual American will benefit from a cleaner, healthier climate. This is a unique event—a fundraiser and climate conference on wheels. Learn more about our speakers here.

Climate Riders register for $75 and then raise a minimum $2400 in order to participate.  Proceeds from the ride benefit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Green America and 1Sky. Learn more about the ride in the FAQ.

Why We Ride

What do climate, energy, and the green economy have to do with me? Can I make a difference?

It’s on the news every night, but most Americans still do not feel connected to the issue that could cause billions of dollars in environmental damage, massive societal upheaval, war, and famine. New research shows that if present trends continue, "the total cost of climate change will be as high as 3.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Four global warming impacts alone -- hurricane damage, real estate losses, energy costs, and water costs -- will come with a price tag of 1.8 percent of U.S. GDP, or almost $1.9 trillion annually (in today's dollars) by 2100." That is why it is vital to raise awareness and increase our understanding of the climate crisis.  Climate, our energy use, and the effects on our environment are inextricably linked.  You can begin to make a difference by supporting the work of Climate Ride’s non-profit beneficiaries.

We ride to support Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Green America and 1Sky. Your fundraising helps these beneficiaries continue to provide the critical services and education needed to address climate and energy issues. Right now, your fundraising and your effort to raise awareness are more critical than ever. Learn more about our beneficiary projects here.

Climate change and our energy future are serious issues and we need a wake up call--changing our lifestyles to include more biking and less oil-induced gluttony is one step in the right direction. Solving our climate and energy problems will improve our lives.

We can create communities with cleaner air, where we drive efficient cars and live and work in energy-saving, healthy buildings. If you demand it, our legislators and business community will promote clean energy and smarter transportation systems. By joining Climate Ride, you can take a step in this direction. Turn off the oil I.V. drip, ditch your car and join us for a week of pedal power—all for a good cause. This transformative bicycling event is ideal for anyone who believes that change is possible and that America can take the lead in a green economy.