Virginia Aprahamian Gears Up for the Inaugural Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston

Less than two years ago, Virginia Aprahamian, 26, of Somerville learned how to ride a bicycle for the first time in the parking lot of a local high school where teens were simultaneously learning how to drive. Growing up in New York City where public transportation was abundant, she never felt compelled to learn how to ride. Once she hopped on the saddle for the first time, she instantly fell in love with cycling and began commuting on her hybrid bicycle as much as possible.

On Sept. 17 through 21, she will embark on a trip of a lifetime, pedaling 320 miles over the course of five days down the scenic coast of New England as part of the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast – Bar Harbor to Boston. She will be among up to 200 cyclists expected to raise $400,000 to support more than 100 sustainability, cycling advocacy, active transportation and environmental causes across the country.

Helping to create the next generation of citizen-philanthropists for the environment through education and sport, Climate Ride participants have the power to direct grants to a pool of regional and national nonprofits. Climate Ride was the first bike-a-thon to support environmental causes and cycling advocacy, not only by raising money but also through advocating for government change and educating participants as part of the experience. It was the first adventure travel nonprofit to raise funds for environmental causes and awareness about the importance of bike safety and advocacy, thus making the connection that an increase in active transportation will reduce carbon emissions that plague the environment. In the last seven years, Climate Ride has raised and granted $2.28 million.

Aprahamian’s motivation to ride and raise money is twofold. “When I first signed up to participate in Climate Ride, it was about cycling and my desire to support organizations that promote cycling,’ says Aprahamian.

“However, my girlfriend, Nora, has been a vocal advocate for policies to curb climate change and improve our infrastructure so that we rely on cars less. As I have become more aware of the policies that shape, make and break the world around us, I’ve found myself feeling more frustrated about how slow necessary change is to happen.”

Aprahamian will pedal alongside Nora Drago, who is captain of team 350.org, as a member of Team Awesome for Allison, a team formed in her late friend’s honor. Allison Smith, who was often referred to as a climate crusader, was a four-time Climate Rider who planned to ride in the first Climate Ride Northeast- Bar Harbor to Boston. Tragically, Smith was killed in a car accident just a few months ago. Nine of her dearest friends and family members will pedal along in her place.

“Unfortunate circumstances gave me extra fuel to participate in Climate Ride,” says Aprahamian. “I’m doing this ride because there’s a lot to be angry or sad about in this world, but nothing makes you feel more empowered, alive and grateful for the world around you like pushing on your pedals so fast and supporting incredible organizations.”

Collectively, members of Team Awesome for Allison hope to raise $10,000.

Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston is one of three charitable multi-day rides hosted by Climate Ride: Climate Ride Northeast, Climate Ride California, and Climate Ride Midwest. The organization hosts Climate Hikes in Glacier National Park and Bryce-Zion and a DIY program: Independent Challenges. For more information about the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston, please see the 2015 Fact Sheet below.

To register to ride or to support a cyclist or team, visit www.climateride.org or call 406-552-0708. Participants can enter the discount code climateride2015 for $25 off their registration fee.