Riding for BLM

Every year our family participates in a bike trip around Washington State, in what has become a Batey Family Tradition. Last year we traveled from Rattlesnake lake near North Bend, over the mountains, across eastern Washington, and finally to Moscow, Idaho. This year we will be riding from the Canadian Border to Umatilla Oregon over 5 riding days,  totaling 306 miles. I was looking forward to an escape from work and the coronavirus as we traverse the state and appreciate its beauty. 

The brutal murder of George Floyd has brought into sharp focus the systemic and inhumane oppression and racism the black community experiences everyday, particularly at the hands of police officers. A family trip to escape the woes of the world felt like burying my head in the sand, and endorsing the continued murder of black citizens. Instead of using this as an escape I will instead be using it to raise funds for organizations dedicated to forcing real change on these important issues.

I pledge to donate $1 dollar for every mile we ride on this trip, and I am hoping you will join me in making a pledge that works for you. Whether it be 10 cents per mile or $10 per mile, every little bit helps to reshape our world for the better.  

Each day's ride will go to helping a different organization that is fighting for these issues. At day's end I will be sending an update featuring where we rode, a scenic picture or two, and the featured organization with an explanation of what they fight for. 

I know not everyone will be able to participate but I hope to at least make some difference (even if it is just my own). All are welcome to participate, so feel free to share this with anyone interested. Whatever your support looks like we can't stop fighting until we see the change we need. It will take all of us doing whatever we can to enact change. Whatever that looks like for you, never stop fighting.

Black Lives Matter.