new web address

check out our real website built by our dear friend and computer genius James Schofield...what a guy. thanks James!

http://www.bikefurthereatcloser.com

so go on have gander....and tell your friends!

A SUCCESS! THANK YOU.....

Our first fundraiser was extremely successful in terms of funds and fun. We would like to extend huge thank yous and bear hugs for everyone who came out, helped out, or wished they could have been here. Every one's participation was key to pulling off this event which went more smoothly than either of us might have thought, considering the short notice. There are some special people we would like to mention, without whose help we could have face some major setbacks:

a huge thank you to...

Shonagh Macrae for donating a keg of delicious Pilsner from Storm brewery. Yum.
Brianne Fudge's helping hands were more than we could have asked for.
James Wilton for taking care of the grill (mushroom burgers & kabobs) and wearing the best outfits of the night.
Kelsa Laughlin for running & financing the day of fundraiser purchases.
Chelsea p for baking up a storm.
Clint Hoffman for doing a late night beer run and being an affordable date.
The residents and neighbors of 2975 W14th.
Dave/Doug Mason for being the highest and most frequent bidder.
James Schofield for making our website and being a stand up kinda guy.
Jamie Stephaniuk for being our logistics manager and having steps.
Thanks to Kimmy for the shout out on Kitsilano.ca!

Thank you Thank you Thank you..

It was a really positive experience for us - we hope you had as much fun as we did!

Stay tuned for more fun-raising events this summer.

Chelsea and Marla.

ps. Is our project having you think differently about your own life style? Start asking yourself about where your food comes from or maybe start riding your bike..Buy a bike!!.. take the bus...run..walk...designate a no driving day...or maybe an eating local food day...

Click on our first Fundraiser Invitation below

first shout outs

'Cycling the Americas on 100-Mile Diet'(posted April 13th)
www.100milediet.org/category/the-latest

proposition letter - version 1

To whom it may concern:

We are two Canadian women with a global vision: a world with more bikes, less cars, local and accessible food, filled with happy, healthy beings. In the spirit of this vision we are embarking on a 30,000 km bicycle quest from Victoria, BC to Buenos Aires, Argentina and back. We will be following a 100-mile diet for the duration of our trip, meaning we aim to consume only foods sourced from within 100 miles of where we purchase it. We will be reducing our ecological footprints by avoiding food that has been transported thousands of miles and by eliminating CO2 emissions generated by conventional modes of travel. A flight covering the same distance would produce about 2.8 tons of CO2 and driving would cause about 3.95 tons. Thus, while en route we intend to support local economies and communities while keeping our ecological footprints (and tread marks) as minimal as possible. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote action, particularly for consumers in industrialized countries, in the face of climate change

Politicians and media are becoming increasingly aware of the threat posed by climate change. While this crisis can seem overwhelming to individuals, our mission is to demonstrate the potential for regular folks to make significant reductions of carbon emissions through simple lifestyle changes. New legislation and policies are steps in the right direction but it is up to individuals to reconsider the economical, environmental and ethical impacts of their consumption patterns. Our goal is not to stop people driving, flying or consuming imported products, but to suggest effective and appealing alternatives for the current unsustainable lifestyles of industrialized nations. We want to encourage mindful consumption, travel, commuting and community membership. We hope to inspire individuals to change their habits and take responsibility for the impacts caused by their daily routines.

We are looking for like-minded organizations to help us in a variety of ways. We are looking for financial support, exposure, equipment and supplies, ideas and input. Through fundraising events we intend to raise money for various not-for-profit organizations while helping to fund our trip. We intend to design and create T-shirts, buttons and posters to spread our message (and raise money) using re-used or recycled materials whenever we can.

Our purpose is to show people that although fighting climate change is a daunting task it is possible to make personal choices that generate significant changes. Our mission is to provide practical avenues through which people can re-imagine their relationships with each other, their communities, the environment and the planet. Simple but effective ways to reduce carbon output and minimize ecological footprints. We are opting to travel, eat, and exist in a sustainable fashion. We urge others to make the choice to slow down, eat locally and travel lightly. Individuals must empower themselves in order to change our cultural direction and the resulting destruction imbued upon the planet. Travel by bike combined with a 100 mile diet is how we are choosing to do our part and any support you can offer will be gratefully accepted.

Thank you,

Chelsea & Marla

logo's in the making...

this just in...marla's bicycle!!

there she be...my transport to Argentina.

I picked 'er up today from Recyclistas, a wonderful community bike shop & repair joint. I have been to 2 bike workshops there and plan to attend many more to pick up maximum skills before departure in September. I think the bike found me. It was hanging, part-finished, the day I spoke with Ryan, who was helping me fix my old bike, about the trip. He told me he was building this bike and it would be perfect. A great bike but a bit mini for the usual suspects. So I went back a week or so later to take it for a spin and I knew I'd found The Bike. I said so and that I'd be back soon to ride into the sunset with my new appendage.

I rode the whole way home today with a shit-eating grin on my face. A few people looked at me funny but most smiled back, shit-eating grins are incredibly contagious.

intro?

This is what we're doing.....Riding our bikes from Vancouver to Argentina and back all in the name of sustainability. We are also following the 100mile diet for the whole shebang.

I'm Marla, I live in Victoria, BC. I heard about this trip last fall and got on the bike seat around Christmas time. The project is in my thoughts 75-80% of the time, including while sleeping. I like cooking, eating, talking about food, sunshine, laughing, swimming and yoga. I also enjoy the occasional beer and finding excuses to wear costumes. Especially while bowling or dancing. I believe clean air is good for everyone and knowing where my food comes
from is important.


Chelsea here. I live and go to school in Vancouver.
I like to ride my bike, especially with others and for a cause I deem fit. ..and what better a purpose than promoting local food, community living, global awareness, de-motorizing your soul etc.. This certainly is more than a ' self-indulgent western middle class romp!'


This is only the tip of the iceberg folks. Stay posted for further developments..

ps. We're all ears to any advice... or jokes.