17 Massachusetts Residents & Road Cyclists Raise Over $20,000 for Land Conservation in Trustees of Reservations’ 125-mile Ride for Green Cycling Fundraiser Founded by Scituate Resident, Joe Walsmith, Ph. D.

September 24, 2009 - Sharon, MA – The Trustees of Reservations are proud to announce that 17 cyclists from around the state, completed the first ever Ride for Green cycling fundraiser for conservation Saturday, September 12, raising $20,000, to date, for The Trustees’ Land Conservation Fund. Many of the riders were members of The Trustees of Reservations’ Conservation Council, a group of 20, 30 and 40-year olds dedicated to preserving landscapes and landmarks around our beautiful state. 

Participants, including Scott Bartley (Norwell, MA), Jeff Bernier (Cohasset, MA), Laurel Carpenter (Lexington, MA), Steve Coyle (Newburyport, MA), Ed Doyle (Boston, MA), Mike Galvin (Cohasset, MA), Andy Kendall (Newton, MA), Pete Minich (Scituate, MA), Kevin Norgeot (Cohasset, MA), Eric Page (Norwell, MA), Gene Record (Marblehead, MA), Benjamin Ryan  (Scituate, MA), Bob Sherman (Gloucester, MA), Tim Silva (Leominster, MA), Betsy Townsend (Ipswich, MA), and Joe Walsmith (Scituate, MA), and Mark Wilson (South Yarmouth, MA), finished this physical feat despite challenging conditions. The rain and inclement weather on Saturday was relentless and challenged riders’ technical skills as well as their mental and physical endurance. Each Rider proved that they have what it takes while they battled the elements with grace, humor, and determination to complete the inaugural Ride for Green. At 125 miles in a single day, with over 4,000 vertical feet of climbing, the Ride for Green is more challenging than many other local fundraisers.

While the ride is complete, riders are still looking for contributions to help them raise additional funds for Trustees land conservation projects and a greener future. The Trustees are actively accepting donations in honor of the Ride for Green. To support the Ride for Green, or any of the individual riders, please visit www.thetrustees.org/rideforgreen and click on Support the Ride.

The Ride for Green featured avid cyclists ranging from 33 to 68 years of age, including physicians, executives, conservationists, attorneys, scientists, and financial professionals.  Joe Walsmith, Ph.D. (Scituate, MA), the Founder of the Ride, is a member of The Trustees of Reservations’ Conservation Council, a young group of leaders who support the mission of The Trustees and its ongoing efforts to protect and care for the natural and cultural landscapes of Massachusetts. Joe is a former elite, age-group triathlete, avid road cyclist, and Hawaii Ironman World Championship finisher. After a ten-year hiatus from the sport of triathlon and cycling, he reinvigorated his love of endurance sports and long-distance bicycling by teaming up with The Trustees of Reservations to launch the first ever Ride for Green. In 2008, Joe rode 336 miles alone with a 25 pound pack of supplies across Massachusetts from Ipswich to Williamstown and back (in two days) to support the mission of the Trustees and launch the Ride for Green.

This year’s inaugural Ride included 17 riders. Joe Walsmith commented, “With more than one million acres in urgent need of protection across Massachusetts we need to work together to inspire a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and future generations.” 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND ON RIDE FOR GREEN
A first of its kind Ride in Massachusetts for land conservation and a sustainable future, the Ride for Green seeks to raise awareness as well as financial support for The Trustees of Reservations Land Conservation Fund.  During this year’s ride, cyclists pedaled from the Charles River Valley to the North Shore of Massachusetts, passing by several historic sites, including Walden Pond; the Old Manse – Emerson’s former home; and the Old North Bridge – site of the 1775 “shot heard round the world.” Cyclists rode by more than eight Trustees of Reservations properties along the way, including Moose Hill Farm in Sharon, and the Old Manse in Concord.

Each rider was charged with raising a minimum of $350, and one-hundred percent of the proceeds raised through the Ride will go toward The Trustees of Reservations’ Land Conservation Fund so that special places throughout Massachusetts can be protected and preserved for everyone, forever.

The Ride for Green is a Ride for avid cyclists who are committed to preserving green areas everywhere, and creating a sustainable future. For more information about the Ride for Green, please contact Vassar Pierce at 978.921.1944, x8817 or at rideforgreen@ttor.org.

A special thanks to our sponsors, Pinnacle Bikes (formerly Bay Road Bikes of Hamilton), Harpoon Brewery, PowerBar, and Carmichael Lynch and Spong, for generously supporting the Ride and its efforts to conserve land and promote a greener future.

THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS:  
Founded in 1891, The Trustees manage and care for 102 special places in 73 communities across the Commonwealth. Fifty percent of the population of Massachusetts lives within 5 miles of one of over 26,000 acres protected by The Trustees. The Trustees are an established leader in conservation in Massachusetts, and are committed to being a force of action in creating a sustainable future.

In addition to protecting and caring for its many properties, The Trustees also provide hundreds of year-round programs and events that inspire people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, appreciate history, nature and culture, and take advantage of the iconic landscapes and landmarks our beautiful state has to offer.  Most events are free-of-charge or heavily discounted for members.

One of the largest non-profits in the state of Massachusetts, The Trustees employ 165 full-time, 46 regular part-time, and 350-400 seasonal staff with expertise in ecology, education, historic resources, land protection, conservation, land management, and planning. To find out how to apply for employment, request a speaker for an event, become an organizational partner, interview Trustees’ experts on important topics and issues, or become a volunteer or member, please contact www.thetrustees.org. We are all Trustees.