JUNKRAFT

June 26th

“Only 100 miles to go!” No sooner were the words out of Marcus’s mouth, when I felt my bike sag - flat tire number 9! Fortunately, this was to be our last. We had just met with our friends at the Surfrider office in Dana Point, to discuss some future projects with Algalita and Surfrider’s Rise Above Plastics campaign.

With thoughts of Mexican food on our minds, we quickly fixed our flat and pushed on towards San Diego, to put up our last display at the International Surfing Day event hosted by Revolt In Style. Here, we had a chance to chat about solutions to pollution with a host of surfers and onlookers. For example, avoiding plastic bottles, a common offender at outdoor events,  by using stainless steel bottles. Ecousable, our favorite, offers a bottle with a built in filter - which we’ve been using throughout our journey.

We then satisfied our Mexican cravings in Old Town San Diego - some of the best guacamole yet, and set out on the last and final leg: to Tijuana.

2,000 miles cycling, 9 flat tires, 40 talks, meeting with 5 mayors, and many joyful (some painful) hours in the saddle later, we finally crossed the border!

We wheeled our bikes through the teeming throngs of Tijuana craziness just far enough to grab a celebratory Margarita, toast our amazing journey, and head back home.

Its been an amazing adventure, and we are incredibly grateful for of the essential help we’ve had along the way - from friends and strangers,  from our wonderful sponsors, from the Surfrider chapters and local non-profits all working towards the same goal as we are - trying to create a more livable legacy for the future.

Here’s a video wrap up of our 3 months on the road:

Now back in Los Angeles, we’re readjusting to life in the fast lane, and beginning to think about our next projects: A host of new school outreach programs based on JUNKride, synthetic chemicals in our bodies, organic/local food, and bike culture. A research expedition to the North and South Atlantic gyres in Jan/Feb. Further research into plastic particles in ocean sediments. And our future goal of starting a school/museum/sustainability center here in Los Angeles. Stay tuned, and keep in touch!

Our 4 days of blessed sunny skies are finally giving way to some ominous rain clouds rolling in – such is the Pacific Northwest. We’ve ridden around 100 miles so far, through rolling, forested hills dotted with picturesque small towns, from Victoria, to Sequim, to our second scheduled talk at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

This wonderful organization, headed by local hero Anne Murphy, has developed a partnership with Algalita over the years after inviting Marcus up to speak in 2006. They’ve since launched their own local plastics monitoring program, studying plastic debris on Puget sound beaches, and now looking at the stomach contents of Glaucous Winged Gulls.

After giving our talk Monday evening, an interesting conversation followed about the challenges their community is facing trying to pass a plastic bag ban. Though Port Townsend is a progressive town, some people – including the business community -  simply don’t like being told what to do. One audience member, our new friend and cycling hero Doug Ross, had a great suggestion:

“As you continue your journey riding down the west coast, you will pass through other communities facing the same issues. Why don’t you keep track of how other people are dealing with this, and let us know what’s working?”

Noted. And we put this same question to you: what approaches to cities wary of more legislation, more government intervention, do you think are effective?

Though our visit in Port Townsend was too short, we met some interesting folks in less than 24 hours: Bob aka “Bagel Guy”, who delivers fresh bagels on his Xtracycle, Rick aka “Salmon Man”, who delivers fresh, sustainable salmon on an 18 foot Xtracycle w/ trailer, and our gracious hosts Liz and Dave, who generously fed, housed, and entertained us.

The following morning we visited Grant Elementary on our way out of town, to speak with an inquisitive group of 5th graders. Talking with young people is always gratifying, our greatest hope for a better future….and then, our first bout of bike issues – a flat tire, a missing bolt on my Xtracycle, and a busted chain for Marcus. Thanks to Doug and a nearby bike coop, all were resolved quickly, and we headed on for a beautiful 34 mile ride to Edmonds. Some views from the ride:

Council Member Strom Peterson had contacted us a few months back, inviting us to speak at a council meeting. Edmonds is just beginning the process of introducing legislation to ban plastic bags, so this was a tremendous opportunity for us to share our research. Full report on this coming soon!

Were here!! Arrived in Vancouver a few hours ago to a cold, steady drizzle. At least its not snowing anymore…

After a quick tour of the city and some Vietnamese food with Jean, our kind friend from the Vancouver Aquarium, we’re staying warm in a coffee shop, waiting to meet our generous hosts Karen and Steve Dadson.

We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received along the way. Last week, our friends at Patagonia outfitted us with key rain gear, warm layers, and even warmer wishes.Then Bike Attack in Santa Monica gave us an industrial strength bike light and a softer saddle, which will be key during some long days in the saddle.

Tomorrow we’ll reassemble our bikes, take a rainy test ride, and relax a bit before a few big days ahead. Friday begins with a morning talk at the UBC Fisheries Centre, and an evening presentation with our friend and hero Roz Savage at the Aquarium, followed by a wine and cheese reception.

Then Saturday, we begin our adventure, pedaling 2,000 miles to encourage an end to the age of throwaway plastics. And learn about local efforts to address sustainability along the way.