My name is Alex Kwong, and in December 2024 I will be cycling from Tokyo to Kyoto on the legendary Nakasendō Trail - an approximately 360 mile, 23,500 feet route through the mountains, towns, and almost endless natural beauty of Japan.
Considering *waves arms vaguely around*, I would like to turn this journey into a cyclethon to raise awareness and funds for Civil Rights, Reproductive Health, and Environmental Justice group doing the hard work of providing aid and defending our rights:
- American Civil Liberties Union - For 105 years, the ACLU has held those in power accountable when the civil rights of the American people have been threatened. During the 2020 term of President-Elect Trump, they brought 434 legal actions against his anti-civil liberties agenda.
- Natural Resources Defense Council - The NRDC is an environmental advocacy group that is defending our environment, climate, and public health from those who wish to exploit them. Between 2016 and 2020, they sued the Trump administration 163 times (once every 9 days) and won 90% of resolved cases.
- National Network of Abortion Funds - A collective of nearly 100 funds across over 38 states and 4 countries, the NNAF supports abortion funds that aim to remove financial and logistical barriers to those seeking access to abortion in their respective communities.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Founded in 1991, the AAJC works tirelessly as the voice of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander representation. On behalf of the AANHPI community, the AAJC fights for a society that is respectful and equitable for all Americans.
- Sierra Club Angeles Chapter - Serving the Los Angeles and Orange Counties, the Sierra Club is an advocate for environmental and climate justice, heavily focused on ending oil drilling and the fight for clean air in Southern California. In the past, they have fought for the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument, and moving forward, their defense.
Your contribution will go entirely to these groups in an even distribution in early January 2025. I have already paid for my travel/accommodations with my own money. In addition, I will personally match the first $200 of contributions.
In return for your financial consideration, I will provide updates from the Nakasendō as I ride, posting photos and stories whenever possible to this GoFundMe page, Instagram, and Strava. In addition, I will answer any questions you leave me in the Words of Support/Comments section of your donation regarding travel, tourism, or cycling in Japan to the best of my ability.
In the past, cycling has afforded me peace of mind and freedom in dark times, and has allowed me to experience the beauty of our world in ways I have never even imagined. I hope that you will join me on this journey of a lifetime through the living history of Japan, while providing aid to the worthy causes defending our rights and the rights of others at home and abroad.
Warmly,
Alexander Kwong
Organizer
