As I embark on my 14th Climate Ride, I'm reminded of the journey we've taken together over the years. Initially, my fundraising felt like gathering insurance payments for a distant future, where the impacts of global warming seemed remote. But after 13 rides, the urgency for action is undeniable.

 

Climate change can feel daunting, but it's the collective efforts of many that drive real change. That's why I've kept pedaling all these years. It's not just about me on the bike; it's about all of us coming together to make a tangible difference.

 

This year, I'm not just riding to raise money. I'm riding to inspire countless others to take action towards a greener, cleaner future. What kind of action? Donate to my 14th Climate Ride and support the Sierra Club? Great! Share what I am doing with your friends and family? Awesome! Take some other action (green your commute – walk, bike, take transit, or make your next vehicle electric; consume less and waste less;  make your diet more climate friendly, etc) – I love it!

 

If my ride sparks something in you, I urge you to take action and share it with me(dennis.desmarais@gmail.com). As the day of my ride approaches (my 6 day 1,000 mile ride starts on May 1st), I will share some of the actions that you all have taken. Hopefully your actions will then multiply and inspire even more to follow in your draft!

 

For those who've already contributed, your donation counts as a significant action. But let's aim higher. I'm aiming for 100 actions before my ride begins on May 1st. So, even if you've donated and plan to do more, please let me know what action you’ve taken.

Thank you for being a part of this journey towards a better, healthier planet. Together, we can pedal towards a brighter future.

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Dennis Desmarais is on the Communications Committee of Sierra Club Connecticut.