This is the last post by Climate Rider Casey Fagre.

Climate Ride Day 4

The fourth day of the Climate Ride proved to be dry and occasionally sunny, which was quite contrary to what the weather forecast predicted, but hey who’s complaining? Not us. We were focused on trying to get our legs to cooperate with our brains’ futile demands to push those pesky pedals. After our 105-mile ride the day before, it seems that our leg muscles had gone on strike. They didn’t hurt, they just didn’t have the energy to move.

Our recovery day routed us inland through wine country, then along the peaceful Tomales Bay formed by the San Andreas Fault that runs underneath it. The 58-miles from start to finish felt short in comparison to the previous day, which made me realize how pushing your limits will shift your perception of what a true challenge really is.

Speaking of challenges, the Climate Ride also celebrated “vegan day” during all of the meals this day. Eating a delicious selection of plant-based based foods highlighted the positive influence our dietary choices can make in reducing the size of our carbon footprint. Go tofu lasagna!

We tried to get to sleep early in preparation for another very early morning, but we were kept awake by having to repeatedly shoo away a mischievous raccoon trying to drag away the bike panniers just outside of our tent!

Climate Ride Day 5

Nonetheless, the last day began before we knew it, but not without another intense rain shower just to keep things consistent! We had a last breathtaking stretch of coastline before reaching the Golden Gate Bridge. No matter how many times I bike across it, it always feels like an adventure. We rode all the way to San Francisco City Hall where guest speakers congratulated us on our collective accomplishment and shared about the important progress that is being made to include bicycles in the plan for climate sustainability.

The most important lesson I took away from my Climate Ride experience was an affirmation that every action counts. The Climate Ride raised over $300,000, but it took over 6,000 donors to do it. With so many people contributing just a little bit, it added up to an influential sum. This same concept applies to all of our individual choices, whether it is turning off the lights, recycling, or inspiring just one person to change for the better. It can be done, and it will be done, together. Thanks for riding along with me!