Luckily enough this week I was able to get an interview with the Skateboard President of my High School. His name is Joseph and he is a extremely dedicated skater; he does not go a day without touching his skateboard.
"I am for bikes. I'm for long rides and short rides. I'm for commuting to work, weekend rides, racing, riding to school, or just a quick spin around the block. I believe that no matter how I ride, biking makes me happy and is great for my health, my community and the environment we all share. That is why I am pledging my name in support of a better future for bicycling—one that is safe and fun for everyone. By uniting my voice with a million others, I believe that we can make our world a better place to ride."
This is the pledge that PeopleforBikes.org is trying to get one million people to sign so that together, one million cyclists can have one powerful voice with enough clout to influence our leaders, the media, and the public to make biking safer and more convenient for everyone in this country. In only two days since they launched this movement at the National Bike Summit in D.C., they already have 1,500 signatures... and counting...
"Every six years, the federal government allocates billions of dollars to expand and improve our country’s transportation infrastructure. Peopleforbikes.org will use our powerful, united voice to urge U.S Senators and Congressmen to make new, cost-effective investments in bicycling facilities and programs that will benefit us now and well into the future."
SIGN THE PLEDGE! (it only takes a minute - and their site is pretty cool too!)
March is Florida Bicycle Month and a LOT of exciting things are happening!
While I am really hoping that all of last year's bicycle initiatives will still be in effect now that we have a new Mayor, it seems like the bicycle community here in Miami is more active than ever!
The City of Miami is expanding their bicycle safety public service ad campaign, which will be featured on bus shelters and full size billboards! This is SO great.. Last month's terrible bicycle accident brought to the surface an extreme need for more bicycle and motorist safety education.
Here are some of the ads:
Below are just SOME of the great bicycle events happening in Miami this month:
This ride is to support the American Diabetes Association's mission to "To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes." There are more than 23.6 million Americans with diabetes, and thousands of cyclists from 43 states participate in this meaningful event. Check out their WEBSITE and sponsor a rider!
There are a few different options: A 10 mile fun ride through C.B. Smith Park's interior roads, a 35 Mile Ride, a 62 Mile Metric Century, and a 100 mile century. "Participants enjoy all the splendors of Spring in South Florida as they ride past palm trees swaying in the balmy breeze. "
March 13: Miami Critical Mass March Meetup: Florida City Ride meets at 9am at Dadeland South Metro-Rail Station
"In celebration of Bike Month, we'll be meeting up at the Dadeland South Metro-Rail Station. From there we'll be riding around the to Florida City, yes Florida City. This is a long ride and you'll need ample water and suncreen. The ride goes south on the Bike Lanes that run parallel to the Bus Lane, and it's a straight shot. We'll stop at Robert is Here and hit up super good super cheap Mexican restaurant before the return trip. Fortunately for those that may not be able to make the return trip you can always jump on the bus and ride back to Dadeland South. Looking forward to this trek with you all."
March 19: Bike Prom Meets at 9pm at Goverment Center
"We are planning a Bike Prom for Bike Month, so dress fancy, or if you have a tuxedo t-shirt you can wear that too. ..we'll ride around Downtown and Brickell, Wynwood, stop at Bayfront Park, the ride along the river. The ride will end at Vagabond, free entry and cheap drinks till midnight. Also, secure bike parking at Bar right next door."
Green mobility Network presents: March 20: Coral Gables Tweed Ride meets at 9am at University Metro-Rail Station "We shall sally forth from University Metrorail Station for a leisurely ride through Historic Coral Gables. Ride will depart promptly at 9 a.m. and shall be narrated by Professor David Rifkind, School of Architecture at Florida International University. Of course, Tweed-style is not only about tweed. A proper cyclist looks good from head to toe: from the dashing cap, to the silk scarf, ascot, or bow tie accenting the neck, to the snappy knickers or skirts, and argyle socks! Prizes shall be furnished to the most dapper chap, the most snappy lass, the best real moustache, the best fake moustache, and the best vintage/antique steed." March 26: Miami Critical Mass meets at 6:30pm at Government Center
This is a monthly ride where the biggest number of people come together - making the statement that we are not causing traffic, we ARE traffic! Brought to you by the Miami Bike Scene Blog Everglades Bicycle Club presents: March 28: Annual Snowbird Century Ride Check out the website to register & for more details!
Outdoor Nation is a network for outdoor lovers to come together, share their experiences, and take action! It is a movement to celebrate the love for the outdoors, and to encourage more people to get out.
Emily Harrington, an Ambassador for Outdoor Nation, has been climbing for 10 years. She was the 2nd female American to climb 5.14b. (I had to look up what that meant and learned that "as of 2008, the hardest climbing routes IN THE WORLD are grade 5.15b" wiki). She was the 2006 Female Climber of the Year, and is the ONLY American (male or female) placing in the top five on the World Cup circuit!! I got a chance to interview her and find out a little about what drives her and how we can all work together to become an Outdoor Nation.
Photo by John Evans Tell me about Outdoor Nation and what they are doing to encourage a passion for the outdoors in young people....
Outdoor National is an active community of youth ambassadors and outdoor organizations dedicated to inspiring and motivating this nation's youth to get outside and take advantage of the outdoor environment. Outdoor Nation's goal is to mobilize the youth, and they are doing this by reaching out in several ways: Hosting Youth Summit events, working closely with Outdoor companies on their impact within the younger demographic, and speaking out in Washington to influence federal and state outdoor programs are a few of the main initiatives Outdoor Nation has already put into motion in order to inspire and motivate today's young people.
How did you become an Outdoor Nation Ambassador and what does it entail?
I was recommended by one of my sponsors, The North Face (one of the coalition partners of Outdoor Nation), and I gladly accepted the challenge. Our mission is to represent and promote the outdoor community and share our experiences with young people, so that they can relate to us and be inspired to take some action of their own. We attend events to help promote the organization and represent the youth; we help come up with strategies to create a stronger foundation and community; and participate in social networking to spread the word (i.e. Facebook, the Outdoor Nation website, etc).
From reading your bio, you started climbing really young! Were your parents big outdoors enthusiasts??
Yes, from an early age my parents took me to the mountains to ski and hike. I was also always into climbing: trees, buildings, playground apparatuses, etc. They finally took me to a climbing gym to harness all that energy in a safer way (I fell out of a tree and broke my arm when I was 7). Things just took off from there.
It seems that, these days, not too many people are lucky enough to be born into families that encourage love for the outdoors. How can we, as a community of activists, hope to change that?
Outdoor Nation is a great start and a huge step toward influencing both children and their parents to take charge and be active participants in the outdoors. We need to instill a certain set of values within the youth of today that are currently absent and encourage parents to teach their children these values as well. Love and appreciation for the outdoors, respect and concern for the state of the environment, and a healthy lifestyle image are all key ingredients to creating a true "Outdoor Nation".
Female Climber of the Year, Outdoor Idol, the 2nd female American to climb 5.14b, and the only American placing top five on the World Cup circuit!!!! (among many other impressive achievements) wow! What drives you??
I love climbing. I always have, but I would be lying if I said I am always motivated and driven to climb hard and train all the time. I DO get tired and frustrated and unmotivated. The key to succeeding in anything is to know when you are close to burning out and to take a step back and try to balance yourself. It is impossible to go nonstop and be the best all the time. There are peaks and valleys with everything and in order to achieve long-term success, you need to learn to embrace the entire journey. Also, It is important to never lose sight of why you loved something in the beginning. We all get wrapped up in our own goals and the idea of success, but it's why you start that is the most important thing to remember. I try to not forget these things, and it helps me stay balanced and be OK with not always being at the top. What keeps you going?
I have found something that enjoy immensely and allows me to express myself physically and emotionally. Climbing has become who I am as a person. It inspires me and allows me to work harder and push myself further. I also read in yr bio that you graduated with an International Affairs degree (Magna Cum Laude!) What are you planning to do next?
I am currently traveling and climbing all over the world. This is enough for me for right now and I hope to continue this lifestyle for as long as I can. I want to continue to push myself and to inspire others along the way.
Thanks so much for your time! and for setting such a great example!
