Riding 320 Miles For Climate Change and SVBC

Each year, SVBC organizes a team to ride the Northern California Climate Ride.  This 320-mile ride starting in Fortuna and ending in San Francisco traverses some of the most scenic areas of the world, from redwood forests to the coast.I just returned and had an incredible experience.  Although I’m an avid commuter and mountain biker, I have never been interested in riding long distances and had never done a multi-day ride.  I was a bit worried I’d be able to ride 60 miles back to back, including a century but I felt stronger after each day, spurred by the camaraderie and support of fellow riders.In addition to getting to know new people who are passionate about doing good work in the community, Climate Ride kept participants entertained with educational speakers on climate change, including learning about b-corps and LACBC’s Climate Ride diversity program.  On the last night, we had two icons in the environmental movement, Paul Hawken and AshEl Seasunz play music, dance and inspire us about the work to be done from the “streets to the stars.”SVBC Teammate, Maria Ristow, recapped her experience in the following way: “Each of you enhanced my appreciation for what strong, smart, passionate people can do, and have given me renewed energy to pursue the issues I care most about.  This ride was a true privilege for me, and I feel enriched for the experience and the new friendships.”The ride is a fundraiser for organizations that address climate change, SVBC being one of many and my intent in writing this is to interest our many readers in joining Team SVBC next year.  Admittedly, there is a certain type of person who is attracted to this kind of ride, someone who:1)    Likes to ride.  A lot.  Day after day.2)    Loves to camp and doesn’t mind putting up a tent at the end of a long day.  (Climate Ride carries the gear and cooks.)3)    Isn’t frightened at the prospect of raising $2,800 to do the ride and4)    Can take the time off of work and family to ride for five days.Team SVBC would be honored to welcome any of you to the 2017 ride.  If you’re interested, unsure, have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.  I’d be happy to give you a pull!