NEWS RELEASE 12/1/2011
Contact: Caeli Quinn, Co-Founder and Director, Climate Ride, 406.871.5477, [email protected]
CLIMATE RIDE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR RIDES ON BOTH COASTS IN 2012
In 2012 hundreds of cyclists will set out on two 300-mile, five-day charitable bicycle rides to raise awareness of sustainability and renewable energy
NEW YORK CITY – December 1, 2011: Climate Ride, the national bike ride for sustainable solutions, has announced plans for two events in 2012: Climate Ride NYC-DC from May 19-23, 2012, and Climate Ride California from September 9-13, 2012. Both events will see hundreds of cyclists, or Climate Riders, raising money and awareness for more than 30 nonprofits focused on sustainability, renewable energy, climate, and bicycle advocacy. Climate Ride expects to increase its grants next year from $300,000 in 2011 to more than $375,000 in 2012. Registration is now open for both events at www.climateride.org.
“Climate Ride has become a hub of the sustainability movement, and the premier annual event to showcase bicycles as the focus of a sustainable future,” said Caeli Quinn, Co-Founder and Director of Climate Ride. “2012 promises to be especially important because we’re bringing our ‘select your favorite beneficiary organization’ structure to the East Coast for the first time, so we’ll be able to support many more green and bike-related organizations – both locally and nationally. Climate Ride is unique because we provide a platform for these organizations to raise much-needed funds, without having to stage large events themselves.”
From May 19-23, 2012, Climate Ride returns to the East Coast with its fourth annual Climate Ride NYC-DC 2012 event from the heart of New York City to the steps of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Registration is open to only 150 cyclists who will raise money for the green organization of their choice (pending Climate Ride approval), and then set out on a 5-day, 300-mile journey and ‘green conference on wheels’ through four states and the District of Columbia to take their message of a new energy future to Washington.
Then, from September 9-13, 2012, the epic Climate Ride California will return for its third year and will see 150 Climate Riders pedal more than 320 miles in 5 days. The California ride begins under towering redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, before turning west toward the coast for two full days of some of the most scenic cycling in America. After a quick spin through the Russian River Wine Country, Climate Riders pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge to finish at a rally at City Hall in San Francisco.
Events in 2012 will raise funds for a collection of more than 40 hardworking non-profits including 350.org, NRDC, Green America, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Climate Counts, 1% for the Planet, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and more.
“Climate Ride brings together today’s top green leaders and everyday people who care about clean energy for five days of inspiration, community and amazing cycling,” said Geraldine Carter, Co-Founder and Director of Climate Ride. “Our Climate Riders are an amazing group of people who come together for perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity: the possibility of run-away climate change on a grand scale that threatens life as we know it. In the face of such dismal predictions, Climate Ride offers hope, community and inspiration because Climate Riders have the opportunity to recharge, connect and bring an optimistic message back to their own communities.”
Earlier this year, Climate Ride announced a significant change to its beneficiary structure which now allows participants to direct their event fundraising to organizations of their choice, as long as the organization meets the beneficiary requirements set forth by the Climate Ride Board of Directors. The change has allowed more than 30 organizations related to sustainability, renewable energy, climate and bicycle advocacy to receive funding from Climate Ride events. Climate Ride expects to grant more than $375,000 to at least 40 organizations in 2012.
Climate Ride is the first bicycle tour where pedal strokes help raise money and awareness of a future powered by renewable energy, sustainability, and a green economy. Full carbon offsets for the participants, hybrid or high fuel economy support vehicles and zero-waste catering are a few of the innovative measures that Climate Ride has successful implemented. The ride offers people who share a passion for green living and cycling a chance to journey toward making a difference. Each Climate Rider pays a registration fee of $75 and then raises at least $2400 to participate in this 5-day, all-inclusive, fully-supported event. Registration includes a personal fundraising web page, training and logistical support, and access to a nationwide network of Climate Riders. The ride includes a jersey, accommodations, luggage transfer, road support, meals, mechanics, bike guides and the nightly expert speaker series.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for Climate Ride NYC-DC 2012 and Climate Ride California 2012. For more information, please email or call Caeli Quinn at 406-871-5477 or [email protected].
About Climate Ride
Climate Ride was founded to inspire and empower citizens to work toward a new energy future. Climate Ride events raise money for a collection of innovative organizations including 350.org, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Green America, Climate Counts, 1% for the Planet, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and Transportation Alternatives.