Canadian cyclist JJ Hilsinger is pedalling 11,000 Cyclist riding 11,000 kms from Istanbul to Beijing to target Climate Change and challenge uskilometres along the ancient Silk Route from Istanbul, Turkey, to Beijing, China, to raise awareness of climate change; and, with the help of the Pembina Institute, challenge Canadians to lessen their environmental impact.
11,000 Tonne Challenge
The Sault Ste. Marie hotelier and seasoned cyclist will make the 108-day trek with a challenge to fellow Canadians to ponder the impact of their own carbon footprints on the planet and to act. "If I can ride 11,000 kilometers, you can save 11,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions to help stop global warming. Say it with me now: 'I bet I can'," he said at a July 27 media conference kicking off his journey.
Not His First Big Bike Trip
JJ is no stranger to mega-distance cycling. In January 2005, JJ completed a 12,000 kilometre trek from Cairo, Egypt, to
Capetown, South Africa. His goal was to experience the ride of a lifetime through the planet's most mysterious continent, and to raise awareness and funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's efforts to battle AIDS in Africa and for the Sault Ste. Marie Cancer Society. He was successful in raising $40,000.
For his Silk Route expedition, JJ is challenging Canadians to make pledges on his website to reduce their carbon emissions. People can measure the impact of the actions they choose by using the online OneLessTonne tool developed by the Calgary-based Pembina Institute - http://www.onelesstonne.ca.
JJ's website also encourages people to take the time to learn about the Pembina Institute's work to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy; and to make a pledge to the Pembina Institute in support of their work on climate change issues.
Small Actions, Big Results
"The opportunity to be a part of the inaugural Silk Route excursion really tweaked my sense of adventure," JJ said. "However, it seems I also need a strong reason to justify my bicycle trip. Living in harmony with nature has been integral to my life. I find the profound impact of global warming truly alarming. I'm counting on my ride to raise awareness and persuade people to act in some small way.
Small shifts in how people view their lives can have enormous cumulative effects in reducing the human carbon footprint."
"I'll pledge to cycle 11.000 kilometres. You pledge to save 11,000 tonnes. Who will get there first?"
JJ Hilsinger
Journey Trip Updates
JJ will be posting progress updates on his website www.youbetican.com which also has a donation link to the Pembina Institute.
