Why ride for climate?

Great question! Glad I asked! :)

The answer is Ride for Climate (http://www.rideforclimate.com/usa/) inspired the creation of this ride, and me to participate. Bill and David visited Pacific Science Center last summer, showing their slide show and speaking with visitors at Science with a Twist: Fire and Ice. Their experiences were amazing - David even brought the bike he rode 16,000 miles from San Francisco to the tip of South America. We had the chance to hear from Bill and David in the midst of their 5,000 ride from Boston to San Francisco. On both rides they stopped along the way to speak about global climate change. David found communities in South America to be incredibly receptive and concerned about the issue - startling when you consider the actions of most Americans.

My 320 mile journey is such a small thing compared to the work these two have accomplished, but I'm thrilled to be a part of the cause. As someone who works on environmental issues and thinks about these things every day, finding something that inspires you is both welcomed and critical to maintaining drive and avoiding burnout. I look to this ride for further inspiration, professionally and personally!

I'm doing it! Climate Ride 2008!

Well, it's official! I've registered for Climate Ride 2008 (http://www.climateride2008.org/)! It's a 320 mile bike ride from New York City to Washington, D.C. The ride begins on my 26th birthday - September 20, 2008 - and runs through September 24 when we reach the capitol.

I'll use this blog to track my experience as I prepare for and go through the ride. I'm simultaneously scared out of my mind and giddy with excitement. While I've always been active, this may be the most I've ever put my body to the test - depending on it to get me where I need (and want) to go. And I know that I'll have to push myself to train, physically and mentally. While I'm sometimes overly organized or academically studious, I know that I'll need systems to keep myself on track for this one!

Thanks to my friends and co-workers who have already supported me in the decision to participate in this event. I'll be fundraising for Ride for Climate at http://climateride2008.kintera.org/jackiewhite26. I know it will be a once in a lifetime experience and I'm thrilled to share it with, as Sarah would say, "my loved and liked ones."