Brita Climate Ride 2009 - Day 5 (Leakin Park, MD to Washington, DC)

Day 5 (60 miles): This morning we’ll rise early and head straight for the heart of Washington DC. After several miles winding through Maryland, we will stop for lunch in Silver Spring, MD before hopping on the Capitol Crescent Trail, a popular rail-trail, created by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. We gather at the tail end of Constitution Avenue, and then begin our final leg to the Capitol, passing the Washington Monument and various museums which house our Nation’s treasures. We will congregate on the Senate Lawn, with the Capitol in the background, where we will make a statement about the need for climate change action and access to renewable energy.

It's the final day of Climate Ride 2009 and I'm already dreading being home. OK, maybe I get to watch GLEE (best show ever!...well, at least for this season) and maybe I'll shower a little more (or not), but what I'm most concerned about is the overwhelming void that has been filled by this ride. Everywhere you look you can't help but be overwhelmed with a sense of excitement and energy that these people create. The environment is their passion and it's intoxicating. Each individual, whether they are an expert in their field or an average joe who's just concerned about their children's future, has committed 5 days of their life to bike from NY to DC and also raise money (at least $2400) and awareness about the environment. The beneficiary? Focus the Nation, Rails to Trails Conservancy, Clear Air Cool Planet, you, me and the world.

If you're skeptical of riding with these folks, don't be. I can assure you it will be one of the most inspirational and momentous events in your life. And if you're from the West Coast, I'm pleased to announce Climate Ride now has a California tour that will begin next year in May. Please join us and change the world.

Until next time, ride on riders!

Look at the the good riders signaling. :-)

The title sponsor Brita always puts forth the best effort to promote this ride.

Um...uh...

Fake tattoos were the hot thing this year.

Dad and Mom figuring the route out. Son? Well, he'll just go anywhere.

Michelle the nurse with out youngest rider this year......12 years old.

Our fast riders trying to keep up with the Danish Ambassador.



Coming thru Sligo Park.



Best socks ever. If you can't read it: "Climate Change Socks!" lol.

Vincent waiting to enter the Capital Crescent Trail...a beneficiary of Climate Ride.


Passing by the Watergate Hotel.

Onwards and upwards toward Capitol Hill.


Constitution Ave. has never seen so many cyclists.



More tatts.

Climate Ride veterans Jenny Nordstrom and Dave Wright.

Love it!



Focus the Nation Executive Director, Garett Brennan.
(Also a hell of a musician and singer of THE GREAT SALT LICKS)

Just in case I don't get everything.



Our fearless leaders: Blake Holiday Ride Director with Climate Ride Co-Founders Geraldine Carter and Caeli Quinn.


For more photos, check out:

KIP PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.kippierson.com

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Brita Climate Ride 2009 - Day 4 (Susquehanna River to Leakin Park in Baltimore, MD)

Day 4 (62 miles): We begin the day by pedaling across a long bridge crossing the mighty Susquehanna. The Susquehanna flows furiously in the springtime and is a mere trickle by mid-summer. After a few miles we enter Maryland and ride past beautifully manicured farms and stunning country estates. It’s hard to imagine that Washington DC is so close. This is the area that DC cyclists prize—the roads are quiet and curvy and the manicured countryside reflects the long history of the Mid-Atlantic region. Soon we enter the small towns that surround DC. The roads become busier and we realize that we are approaching our destination—Baltimore. Tonight we camp in a sprawling 300-acre city park on the edge of Baltimore called Leakin Park. The Outward Bound School, which calls Leakin Park home, has invited us to camp and use their facility.

After an amazing Day 3, Day 4 may have proved to be a let down in terms of photos, but with the new route after lunch, some inventive riders and a sense of play, Day 4 was an all-around fun filled day without the pressure of "getting every single person."

2nd best shot of the day.

Ah, the post card.

Love the fisheye lens.

No, I did not ask her to do this, it just happened.

The 1st hill of the day.






And yes, I've seen the shot he has of me taking this picture.


Uh-Oh.







Best shot of the day by far.

For more photos, check out:

KIP PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY
www.kippierson.com

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Brita Climate Ride 2009 - Day 3 (Valley Forge, PA to the Susquehanna River, PA)

Day 3 (69 miles): Today we’ll wind through Pennsylvania hill country into Lancaster County, famed for its epic cycling. Our day begins with rolling hills through French Creek State Park and a visit to St. Peters, a riverside hamlet composed of quaint homes and imposing granite boulders. After passing through a few more Pennsylvania towns we turn to the south and enter quintessential Amish country. Here you’ll share the road with horses and buggies. Silos and small farms dot the hillsides and valleys, and small Amish towns serve up ice cream and plenty of charm to visitors. Soon our route enters the rolling hills that flank the mighty Susquehanna River. Tonight we camp at a traditional Mennonite summer camp tucked in the trees.

There is no day quite like Day 3 on Climate Ride. It is probably the most beautiful countryside you'll see in the Northeast and possibly in the country. With rolling hills, Amish farms and plenty of buggies barreling by over 20mph, if you don't like today, you don't like life. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking for today.

Day 3 encouraged all riders who commute to work to ride in their "work" clothes. I think Josh was the winner by a mile. This shot was the one and only shot I got off...and it was complete luck. Both groups separated only 50 ft. later. Favorite part: the cow is actually looking at me. Again, right time, right place. :-) Not long after a beautiful day of hills and countryside, mother nature was back to say hello. "What rain?" Ah, the creamery! Such good ice cream. For more photos, check out: KIP PIERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.kippierson.com Become a FAN of Kip Pierson Photography on Facebook: CLICK TO BE A FAN!