Cyclists to bike across Louisiana for Hurricane Relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 20, 2006 -- May 19th, 2006 (Austin, TX) - For one week May 23-30th, eight riders from the US and Canada will ride 400 miles from Vinton, LA to New Orleans in an educational volunteer bike ride in support of hurricane relief.

The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride is an education to action project, where cyclists will meet with local organizations and see hurricane devastated areas, raising awareness and funds for hurricane rebuilding after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Each rider commits to raising 2,000 dollars for hurricane relief efforts, which are largely going to the YMCA of Greater New Orleans. In addition, funds will be given to local groups in Vermillion and Cameron Parishes for their rebuilding projects. The ride will offer participants the opportunity to see firsthand how the money collects will be put to good use. While public attention has moved past Rita and Katrina in recent months, the residents of Louisiana are still in desperate need of support and generosity.

The ride is affiliated with The PEPY Ride, a NY-based non-profit organization with a mission of increasing educational opportunities with a focus on the environment and our health (PEPY stands for Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself). Most of the work of PEPY is based in Cambodia, and this is their first project in the United States. Maryann Bylander, the trip�s organizer, is affiliated with The PEPY Ride and has spent time in Cambodia working with PEPY founders Daniela Papi and Greta Arnquist. �The idea for this ride started from our discussions in Cambodia. We saw the powerful experiences of volunteers who contributed to PEPY in Cambodia and wanted to contribute in similar ways in the US. There is still so much need for awareness and support of rebuilding projects. We wanted to offer a way to raise awareness in our communities and raise money at the same time� Bylander stated.

Riders are paying for their own travel and other incidental expenses therefore 100% of the money donated will benefit local organizations. Our main partner, the YMCA will be receiving the bulk of the funds raised. The money donated will go towards child-care programs which were once run by the city, and now have been cut from the budget. A portion of funds donated will also go to local projects in Cameron and Vermillion, which were hit by Hurricane Rita.

Bikes Not Bombs, a 22-year-old bicycle recycling and youth training center based in Massachusetts, has been particularly supportive of The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride. Currently, Bikes not Bombs is refurbishing three old bicycles to be ridden by members of the eight person team, which will subsequently be donated in New Orleans.

The ride will begin May 23rd in Vinton, Louisiana. Riders will cycle through Cameron and Vermillion Parishes, Abbeville, Franklin, Morgan City, Donaldsonville, Vacherie, and will arrive in New Orleans on May 29th.