Moving Mountains for Social Change

Team fundraiser

Jen Kyle Whalen and Erin Lamb are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

On June 23, we’ll put our legs to good use by riding a ridiculously challenging route to raise funds for organizations fighting racial injustice.

As part of Big Rides Big Cause, our ride will cover 133 miles with almost 17,000 feet elevation gain. Pedaling nearly every canyon in the Santa Monica Mountain Range.
https://www.strava.com/routes/28676172
It takes unity and people power to move mountains. We’re not saying that a bike ride is going to get rid of racism and police violence, but we hope to raise a good chunk of money for the fight. We’re striving for and educating ourselves on how to best be allies to support the black community, and encourage others to do so, especially during this important time of action. Like a long day in the mountains, we know it’ll take strength, endurance and not giving up to create lasting change.

We recognize white privilege in the recreation and the sport of cycling and want that to change. We're calling on ourselves and the community to take accountability in actions and support organizations empowering equal access to cycling. This is why we chose Los Angeles Bicycle Academy as one of the three organizations to fundraise for.

Here’s where your donations will be put to good use:

Los Angeles Bicycle Academy
http://labikeacademy.org/
Los Angeles Bicycle Academy (LABA) is a youth education program, community bike shop and youth cycling team with a mission to empower, educate and develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills in boys and girls between the ages of 8-18. Within the context of a full service bike shop we employ a comprehensive hands-on bicycle mechanics, sales and service curriculum including an ‘earn-a-bike’ program. LABA’s cycling team seeks to expand the capabilities of youth from communities where exposure and access to the sport of cycling and lifestyle are limited. LABA will support 9 youth cyclists on its roster for the 2020 season. The bicycle is a tool for liberation and freedom. It is positive for both mental and physical health. Through the ownership of a bicycle possibilities are expanded, travel becomes easier, new places are discovered.

Black Lives Matter
https://blacklivesmatter.com/
#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

CURB- Californians United for a Responsible Budget
http://www.curbprisonspending.org/
Californians United for a Responsible Budget CURB is a statewide coalition of 70 grassroots organizations working to reduce the number of people in prisons and jails, the number of prisons and jails in the state, and shift state and local spending from corrections and policing to human services.
Founded in 2003, the coalition amplifies the work of community leaders on issues from sentencing reform to conditions of confinement. CURB bridges movements for environmental, social, racial, and economic justice in California and across the nation.

“But it's like moving mountains
It's like moving mountains, hey
But I keep climbing and hoping things would change“ - Usher

Move with us! Donations are now open, nothing too big or too small :)