Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A Fairbanks man who rode his bike from Alaska to Washington D.C. to spread the word about climate change is back and hopeful that we can break our addiction to fossil fuels. Vietnam veteran and retired bush pilot Don Ross, started pedaling south last fall, pushing through snow and ice and stopping at communities along the way to talk about the impacts of climate warming.
The 67-year-old Ross says the seven-month ride over 6,000 miles, through three Canadian Provinces and 13 states was a rewarding challenge. He says people were supportive throughout the journey, giving him places to stay and providing venues and contacts to get his message out. Ross says the bike trip also provided a direct connection to the environment.
He says a lot of people in the Lower 48 aren’t tuned into climate warming, because the effects aren’t always as evident as they are in Alaska Ross says he believes people are the problem but also the solution when it comes to climate change.
Ross’s days of biking around to spread the word about climate change may not be over. He’s considering participating in a portion of an upcoming transcontinental ride organized by the environmental group 350.org.
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