The “Tour de Frack” – The Countdown Begins

Bike Ride To “Stop the Frack Attack” – National Convergence on DC on July 28

Activist protest in Trenton, NJ to block adoption of proposed DRBC fracking regulations (11/21/11). Th DRBC vote was postponed, and rules have not been adopted to date.

This Saturday, July 14, I will join the kickoff of the “Tour de Frack”, a 14 day, 410 mile bicycle – activism tour.

The adventure begins in western Pennsylvania, in the belly of the Marcellus shale fracking beast, Butler Pa., (about 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh) and culminates in Washington DC, for a July 28 national day of protest organized by Stop the Frack Attack.

To get involved or learn about the objectives, the route, the schedule, and tour related events, go to the Tour De Frack’s website, which explains “Activism in Motion“:

The bike is only a small part of the story.  This effort is designed to be a change in perspective and a vehicle to pull the national focus towards human tales of fracking while uniting the voices of those who have lived and seen its true dangers.

Along the way, we will tell the personal stories of people and communities harmed by fracking. We will experience the tremendous natural resources, people, and history of the Allegheny region.

There is no mode of travel  – other than walking or horseback – like experiencing the landscape on a bicycle. As we tour, we will meet and join forces with a diverse set of people, from organic farmers, anti-mountaintop mining activist, and local artists, musicians, and merchants.

I just recently learned of the Tour and read their website, I was excited by the prospect and immediately decided to go – there is so much in the Tour’s philosophy and model of activism that appeals to me. And I’ve been involved in and writing about fracking for some time.

The event was conceived of and planned by people who want to care for the communities they live in and the places they love, and to protect the future of their children. No foundation grants, technical experts, lawyers, lobbyists, press releases, and campaign plans –  just authentic caring, sharing, and engaged citizenship.

The tour’s focus is more inclusive than traditional environmental supporters. The tour is reaching out to and doing events with local food producers, artists, musicians, merchants, and community leaders who care about principles of health, beauty, and permanence – all at a meaningful and human scale, while coordinated with a national event: Stop the Frack Attack, who are:

a nationwide coalition of citizens, communities and organizations declaring the time is NOW to use our collective power to end oil and gas drilling that harms public health, water and air quality, and the climate.

The Tour de Frack will blend education, activism, bicycle touring, camping and outdoors experiences.

Riding my bike, camping, touring, meeting wonderful people, and engaging in activism – how could it get any better?

Yet at the same time, I am anxious and uncertain about the challenge, both physically and emotionally.

Last year at this time, I had about 1,500 miles in the saddle – this year only about a third of that, so conditioning and stamina will be a struggle. The recent heat wave has been ugly, let’s hope it breaks. Securing adequate food and water along the way is always a huge challenge, and I haven’t lived in a tent/sleeping bag for two weeks since the Carter Administration – will my butt and back survive?

Psychological doubt creeps in when I think about my first attempt at a solo tour last year  – I dubbed it my virgin “Sources of the Delaware”  tour- which failed after only 100 miles (were the lessons learned?) . And meeting, riding 40 miles a day, and living on the road with a bunch of great new people will be interesting, of course, but, with the physical strain, an emotional challenge as well.

At any rate, I hope to blog the trip, with at least a daily post of photos and text about our adventure (assuming I can find a power source and internet connection) – the scenes, the people we meet, the issues we engage, and the miles and challenges overcome (and those that overcome us!).

In addition to reading the blog, I urge folks to reach out to others and get on a bus, train, or carpool to DC on July 28 for the national protests – see this for info.

I also urge folks to contribute whatever you an afford to Tour de Frack and Stop the Frack Attack  (see Pay Pal on website) – I also am seeking support to defer my expenses, which can be sent to me  at PO Box 112, Ringoes, NJ 08551

Enjoy!

Our supporters thus far: