then I throw in the metaphorical towel on this one.
It all started with one guy. When Ron declared his intentions, that inspired two other local cyclists, Jeff and Jesse, to decide to ride the whole 3,063.4 miles. Many more of us will go as far as we're able. As the word gets out, the inspiration is spreading. There are organizing efforts in Washington, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio. People in Oregon, California, New Mexico and North Carolina are thinking about convergence rides. Veterans for Peace are helping to plan a big reception in DC. Tia Larsen, the wife of our local Member of Congress, is excited about joining the ride and encouraging other Congressional spouses to do the same.
So many people are doing what they can to support the effort! There's a web site (
http://www.bike4peace.org/) and a blog (
http://ronat.tblog.com/). Our community radio station (
http://kser.org/) will stream live call-ins. Dan Koperski just donated a cool logo (see attached). T-shirts are now available. Nice people have sent money for bike supplies. Newspapers and web sites from across the country are picking up the story. Please encourage the momentum by forwarding this e-mail to everybody you know in North America. Imagine so many bikes on the streets of DC that the limos will have to wait for them!
-----Original Message-----
Anyone in North America can make a powerful statement by supporting Bike4Peace.
We'd rather get around without cars than kill for oil.
If you can ride a bike, please join in for as far as you're able. If you can't, please support and encourage others who can.
Those who live on the route can organize a support rally.
Those who are near the route can organize a feeder ride.
Those off the route can organize a ride to converge in DC on Sept 22.
Please reply to kashimbi@earthlink.net, so we'll know your plans.
Everett, Washington to Washington, DC! Northwest peace activist and cycling enthusiast Ron Toppi will ride across the USA this summer in a grassroots protest against war and U.S. occupation of other countries, and to promote efficient use of renewable energy sources. Please use this opportunity to augment your own organizing efforts.
A whole lot of us will join Ron for some portion of his ride, bringing greater attention to our wing of the peace movement. Feeder rides will converge along the way. Perhaps other cyclists will commit to alternate routes from the west coast to converge in Washington, DC, on 21-Sept-05. Together we can create a critical mass in the streets of our capitol.
Even if you can't organize or join hundreds of other cyclists, there are more opportunities. Cyclists will need shelter, meals, and a place to wash their socks. Local supporters can celebrate peaceful networking nationwide and invite the media to tell the story. You can study the tentative itinerary below and forward this message to all your peace loving friends.
Please reply to me now with your pledge of support for Bike4Peace. We're hoping you will publicly welcome the riders to DC on 22 Sept or within a few days of their arrival, as well as encourage others to join us. Thank you.
Vernon Huffman
POB 31
Everett, WA 98206
425-438-8985
kashimbi@earthlink.net
To plan a convergence ride, choose the smartest route from your home to Washington, DC. Plan backward from Thur 22 Sept, about 80 miles per day with a couple days of rest each week. Publish your itinerary everywhere along your route (Google town name + peace or bicycle for contacts). Even if you can't ride the whole way, you can "pass the peace" to other cyclists.