NEW! mobile.bicycling.com Find us on Facebook on Twitter. «Stoking the Flames Main

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1 NEW! mobile.bicycling.com Find us on Facebook on Twitter Changing Gears August 27th, 2009 «Stoking the Flames Main Riding for Renewable Energy and Climate Change Extreme skier and global cooling consultant Allison Gannett tells us why she is riding in the 300-mile Brita Climate Ride. By Allison Gannett Allison Gannett is participating in the Brita Climate Ride to help raise awareness about global climate change. As a World Champion extreme skier fighting to save our snow, a champion ultra mountain bike racer fighting to save our singletrack, and an award-winning global cooling solutions consultant, latching on for the Brita Climate Ride from New York City to Washington, D.C., was a no brainer. This 5-day charity bike ride from September 26-30, aims to raise awareness of climate change and the need for renewable energy legislation. The 300-mile ride is open to anyone and it s a great event for experienced riders and novice cyclists (there are currently only 40 spots left. Register at ClimateRide.org). In my quest to make a difference, I ve turned my passion for racing mountain bikes and cycling into a mode of long-haul transportation. Initially I looked for techy solutions, such as creating a solar powered hybrid SUV that got 100 miles per gallon. But I quickly realized that the carbon footprint of manufacturing a car can exceed 100 tons per vehicle, which virtually offsets any carbon footprint savings from the increased gas mileage. The answer? Drive less. But how to do it? I decided to try to ride my bicycle to my work events around the U.S. instead of renting a car. I needed to be able to carry my work clothes and computer, all without panniers or a trailer. My first attempt was a 6-state swing, spending two weeks on the East Coast with nine days of riding. My route: Colgate University, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-New York City-Boston-New Hampshire-Vermont, and back through New York via the Adirondacks to my starting point in Hamilton, New York. 1 of 5 8/28/09 10:13 AM

2 Gannett is an extreme freeskier and mountain biker who lives in Crested Butte, CO. I only carried a few pounds of gear, strapped to my bicycle via special touring bags, which don t require any racks. In those bags (made exclusively by Carousel Designs and Epic Designs), I carried the following: Nemo Gogo tent (1.9lbs), sleeping pad (11oz), GoLite Quilt (1 lb), Patagonia organic dress, a Wool 4, and Down Sweater, KEEN harvest shoes (made out of recycled rice sacks in fun colors), Smartwool wool cycling clothes (the only way to travel without the smell - one well-chosen set can double as work clothes, casual clothes, pajamas or cycling clothes), an Osprey Talon 11 hydration pack, and Elemental Herbs lip balm (can double as chammy butter), and my computer and cell phone. I didn t weigh everything, but I m guessing that the entire load was less than 15 pounds. The weather mostly cooperated. It only rained while I was speaking in Boston, some snow while riding in Vermont, and a 95 degree heat wave in New York. Ever wondered how to get exercise while working? Try bike commuting in a more serious way - I ve never had more fun or seen an area in more detail. My favorite parts were the extensive bike paths in New York City, touring East Coast cheese farms, and the windmills near Colgate University. East Coast riding is beautiful and the upcoming Climate Ride includes world class cycling in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington DC. Back to Brita Climate Ride. I m looking forward to another multi-day bike tour, as I have been mostly mountain biking through the wildflowers in my hometown of Crested Butte, Colorado. Climate Ride is a supported bike tour (they use Priuses and veggie-oil vans to get your luggage from camp to camp with as minimal of a carbon footprint as possible). But I plan on riding self-supported to decrease my carbon footprint further. I m looking to rent or borrow a decent road bike if anyone wants to loan a 48-incher around that time. (Here s a transportation option that needs to be cultivated: Currently there are limited options for people to rent high-end bicycles while traveling. I look forward to the day that it s normal to show up in a city and have a plethora of bike-rental options, including one-way rentals, much the way we do now for cars.) That way I can lower my carbon footprint by flying with less gear. Did you know that every two-pound reduction in luggage saves an airline 9,000 lbs of fuel a year? Now if only I could get off the time from work to bike from Colorado to the Climate Ride start in NYC! I ve been able to reduce my personal carbon footprint from 16 tons to 8 tons in the past seven years, but if I want to get to two tons (the world target), I m going to have to stop flying and ride my bike EVERYWHERE. It s a tough call, because my work involves teaching individuals, businesses, schools, communities and governments how to save money AND reduce their carbon footprints. You don t have to be an ultra mountain bike racer to do Climate Ride, so get on your bike and join me for this adventure! I m looking forward to doing my climate solutions presentation while on the ride and I hope you can join us. Well, cheers to those riding their bikes, whether for work or for fun. And special kudos to bike commuters everywhere. Learn more about how to make a difference at these three sites: Post a comment You must be logged in to post a comment. About From all around the world, Bicycling receives stories chronicling races, charity events, trade shows and even just rides that proved inspiring enough to write about. Come to Changing Gears to read what people like you have to say about the cycling world. You can contribute, too - your stories to readerblog@rodale.com. All Bicycling Blogs 2 of 5 8/28/09 10:13 AM

3 All Over The Map GPS rides and maps from all over the world Boulder Report The one and only from Joe Lindsey. Reader beware Changing Gears We want to hear from you in our Reader Story Blog Fit Chick Welcome to the Fit Chick Blog...essentially a Tri Blog with a wider lens. In the Bike Lane Forget cars. Two-wheeled transport is the way to go Living the Dream What happens when you change your life to make it as a professional track cyclist? Road Rights Bob Mionske gives cyclists all the latest on bicycle law, and the social and political issues involved. Sitting In Bill Strickland's notes from the heart of the pack This Just In Breaking news and product reviews Recent Posts Riding for Renewable Energy and Climate Change Stoking the Flames The Last Day of Summer What Now? A New Attitude Monthly Archives RSS August 2009 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August of 5 8/28/09 10:13 AM

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