I think it all comes down to motivation.
It’s why CLIF Bar employees came up with the idea for a game to encourage more bike trips instead of cars. We called it the 2 Mile Challenge, not because riding a bike 2 miles is that difficult of a task for anyone – but rather that we tend to get comfortable in our cars and it’s a challenge to rethink the drive.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my car. I love roadtripping … cranking Pearl Jam’s Yield (the greatest roadtrip album, and the band’s best, by the way) as the miles tick by en route to a great adventure somewhere.
The Challenge has always been about breaking the habit of relying on the same tool for every job. There’s serious potential in that idea, we thought. And with a company that was literally born on a bike ride, the premise seemed just right for a call to action. Join the ride.
This year’s ride has been pretty memorable … we’ve connected with many new friends, thanks to some of our old friends in the advocacy world. From Kansas City, Los Angeles County, Washington D.C. and, in August, Boston, it’s been awesome to see people gravitating towards the idea, whatever the motivation. And I’m proud to announce that the community has once again eclipsed the 10,000 trip mark that equates to another $10,000 helping to drive the grassroots advocacy work that the country so desperately needs for more bike friendliness. Congratulations to MassBike!
As we head forward into September, we’re still at it, with a new geographic focus in the Pacific Northwest. I’d like to welcome you all to the September Challenge and to our friends with the Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle, Washington, serving the Puget Sound bicycling community!
Keeping true to our original premise, we’re out to keep the motivationa live: every trip you log on 2MC during September is worth $1 for CBC up to $10,000! It’s easy to join the ride with us: register and log on to the September Challenge at 2milechallenge.com and you’re on your way. iPhone users should try out the official 2MC App, BikeBrain, to track your ride and link up easily with 2MC on the go!
There’s much more in store throughout the month, so if you’re not already, keep in contact with 2 Mile Challenge on Twitter and Facebook if you’re so inclined.
In an ongoing effort to support the bike movement, CLIF Bar donates a total of $100,000 per year to bike nonprofits. Each month throughout 2012, the 2 Mile Challenge community will help to direct a portion of this money to those organizations building a more bike friendly America. Each monthly beneficiary is chosen by CLIF Bar.