Cycling for Solutions V hits the road on Aug. 30!
Update: Congratulations to the Cycling for Solutions 2019 riders for crushing the route to IISD-ELA, and a heartfelt thank you to the many supporters who donated to support citizen science! So far, the cyclists have raised over $15,000! If you'd like to add your support, the CanadaHelps donation link will remain live until Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.
Cycling for Solutions returns for a fifth year in support of citizen science!
On Aug. 30, a group of amateur cyclists will once again embark on an ambitious, three-day, 500 km self-supported road trip from Winnipeg. Man. to IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA), Ont. – one of Canada’s primary sources of lake science. At all times, cyclists will remain within Lake Winnipeg’s watershed. The challenge of the ride intentionally mirrors the challenge of finding solutions to the ecological problems facing this great lake.
Seven cyclists are participating in the 2019 initiative. New for this year is the ride’s first international participant – Peter Wooders, the director of IISD’s Energy team, is visiting Canada from Geneva – as well as its first female participant.
Continuing what has become an annual tradition, riders are paying their own expenses while accepting financial pledges for their efforts. All funds raised will be donated to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation to support the Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network (LWCBMN).
LWCBMN mobilizes citizens, scientists and conservation professionals to collect water samples across Manitoba in order to measure phosphorus concentration. Phosphorus is the nutrient responsible for blue-green algae blooms on Lake Winnipeg. LWCBMN is identifying phosphorus hotspots – localized areas that contribute higher amounts of phosphorus to waterways than other areas. Targeting action in these hotspots will reduce the amount of phosphorus entering our lakes and rivers, and improve the health of Lake Winnipeg. You can learn more about LWCBMN here.
Since the initiative began, supporters have donated almost $38,000. The 2019 fundraising goal has been set at $13,000 – if achieved, Cycling for Solutions will have successfully raised over $50,000 in just five years!
Support these hard-working cyclists – and citizen science – by donating to Cycling for Solutions V at the link below:
While you’re there, please consider leaving words of encouragement for the cyclists in the “Message for Lake Winnipeg Foundation” comment field; all messages will be shared with the riders. Pledges can also be made by calling LWF’s office, 204-956-0436.
A Cycling for Solutions 2019 Facebook event page has been set up, where riders will aim to provide updates from the road. You can also follow their progress in real time at this link.
Good luck to Paul, Stephanie, Mike, Stephen, Bruce, Roger and Peter!
