(And why you belong here, exactly as you are.)
In a digital landscape where climate stories are increasingly filtered out by algorithms, your presence here is more vital than ever. We’re revisiting this 2024 ‘Love Letter’ because it remains the heart of our mission: breaking through the noise with inclusive, imperfect, and unstoppable action.
If you’ve ever looked at a climate event and thought, “I’m not green enough for that,” or looked at a cycling tour and thought, “I’m not athletic enough for that,” we have a secret for you: Neither are we.
At Climate Ride, we aren’t looking for perfect environmentalists or elite athletes. We’re looking for people who care. Whether you are a seasoned advocate, a weekend warrior, or someone who just bought their first pair of padded shorts, you belong here.
Your Journey, Your Pace
Climate Ride is a tapestry of passion and purpose. We welcome everyone—from dedicated bike commuters to those who just crave a meaningful, active way to see the world.
We know that personal circumstances—income, access, and geography—shape what “sustainability” looks like for each of us. A practice that works in a transit-rich city might not be possible in a rural town. Because the environmental sector receives less than 2% of all charitable giving (despite the climate crisis being the challenge of our lifetime), our focus isn’t on who is the “greenest”—it’s on welcoming everyone into the movement to help close that funding gap.
Why We Stand Against “Climate Shaming”
Many people hesitate to join an environmental event because they fear judgment. “Can I join if I drive a gas car? What if I’m not vegan?” To be clear: Climate Ride is a judgment-free zone. Research shows that “eco-shaming” actually creates resistance and burnout. We believe in inclusive environmentalism. Our events are a space to learn and grow, not a test you have to pass. Whether you’re a pro cyclist or a total beginner, our community is here to lift you up, not size you up.
Individual Action vs. Systemic Change
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your personal carbon footprint. But it’s helpful to know where that pressure came from. In 2004, the PR firm Ogilvy & Mather famously popularized the “carbon footprint calculator” for their client, British Petroleum (BP). It was a calculated move to shift the burden of responsibility away from industrial polluters and onto individual choices.
While we value personal steps, we know the crisis demands systemic solutions. Fewer than 100 energy companies have been responsible for 71% of industrial emissions since human-driven climate change was recognized.
When you join a Climate Ride, you aren’t just riding a bike; you are acting as a citizen-advocate. You are moving the needle on a systemic level by funding the nonprofits that lobby for policy change, protect our public lands, and hold major polluters accountable.
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” > — Anne-Marie Bonneau
Who is Anne-Marie Bonneau? Known as the “Zero-Waste Chef,” Anne-Marie is a renowned author and advocate who has lived plastic-free since 2011. Her work focuses on the “conserver lifestyle”—showing that sustainability isn’t about buying new “eco-products,” but about reducing waste through simple, traditional skills. She is a champion of the idea that small, imperfect actions by many outweigh the perfect actions of a few.
The Climate Ride Impact: Why Your Choice Matters
When you choose a Climate Ride over a standard for-profit tour, you are getting the same professional support, boutique lodging or camping, and incredible routes—but your dollars go infinitely further:
- Platinum-Level Trust: We are a Candid/Charity Navigator Platinum-level nonprofit, meaning we operate with the highest level of financial transparency in the world.
- The “Multiplier” Effect: Our grants are often the largest single donations our beneficiaries receive. By participating, you aren’t just taking a trip; you’re sustaining an entire organization.
- A Global Community: You’ll ride alongside experts and advocates, turning a vacation into a masterclass in change-making.
Real Stories from the Road
You’ll be in good company. Our participants include:
- The First-Timer: Like Jessica, who had never biked more than 10 miles before signing up for a 300-mile ride to step out of her comfort zone.
- The Concerned Parent: Like Phoebe, a mom and psychologist who rides to turn “climate anxiety” into “climate action” for her children’s future.
- The Multi-Gen Family: Like the Varianos, who turned a family bike tour into a fundraising powerhouse for traffic safety and environmental justice.
Join the Movement
You don’t have to be perfect to be a hero. You just have to show up. Whether you want to stay in unique eco-lodges or sleep under the stars in a fully supported camp, we have an adventure that fits your life and your budget.
If every one of us brought just one “imperfect” friend into this community, we would double our impact overnight. Will you be the one?
