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4-27-2012
An ESBOCES employee is working out for a 300-mile bike ride from NYC to D.C. to raise awareness of renewable energy and a green economy.
Imagine biking 300 miles for five days from New York City to Washington, D.C. That’s what Eastern Suffolk BOCES employee Marie Rose is doing on May 19 to raise the profile of renewable energy and the importance of a green economy. She and 150 others are participating in the “Climate Ride.” In preparation, Marie is strengthening her endurance and reading blogs about what to pack in case of inclement weather. But there is one thing she has little control over. According to Climate Ride, she must raise $2,400 in pledges to participate, and as of April 27, had obtained only $1,010. “Any size donation will help me get closer to the goal,” she said, recommending people view http://www.climateride.org/.Asked what will happen if she doesn’t meet the objective, she replied, “Well, I can’t ask for and accept donations from people and then not go because I didn’t meet the goal. I will make up the difference.”
Marie Rose (above) works at the Suffolk Aviation Academy.Marie began cycling seriously when she moved to New York and a bike was her means of transportation. In 1996, she participated in a “century ride” of 100 miles, departing from the North Babylon Railroad Station and arriving at the Montauk Railroad Station eight hours later. (She rode the train back.) For the NYC-DC 2012 venture, she is buddied with Long Islander and fellow SBRA member Ashley Hunt-Martorano. The women are representing Renewable Energy Long Island, a not-for-profit organization promoting clean, sustainable energy use. Hundreds of volunteers are coordinated to handle the route, escorts, road safety, energy snack foods, water stations, and camping accommodations, which includes Princeton University the first night. Cyclists enjoy the adventure, as well as the exercise, Marie says. She recently registered for the September “Montauk We Hope” 75-mile ride benefitting Long Island families in crisis and Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.“Climate Ride” will start from Lafayette Street in the city and end on the steps of the Capitol in D.C. While in Washington, Marie and Ashley will speak with elected officials about energy efficiency. “I‘m incorporating a hobby I love with an important cause,” Marie says. “This is my contribution to a better Long Island.”For more information, see http://tiny.cc/MarieClimateRide
Marie (left) and friend Ashley are Suffolk Bike Riders Association (SBRA) members.
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