Reuse, reduce… cycle: Climate Classic delivers pedal-powered awareness

As I write this I am very much aware that the clock is ticking. Not only the ‘Climate Clock’ – or ‘Doomsday Clock’ as it’s sometimes known – but the countdown to this year’s Climate Classic Cycle, happening on June 20 in the Netherlands.

As an enthusiastic cyclist – albeit one with limited talent – I do need to use this training time to make sure I can complete my 125km part of the 375km marathon with a smile on my face.

I cycled in the same event last year and was so impressed by the purpose and the whole experience that this year, Enlit has become an official partner.

And we, at Enlit Europe, are committed to support Stichting Cycling 4 Climate as they develop similar rides across Europe.

So what is the Climate Classic? Basically, it is a cycle ride for over 1000 cyclists. Participants can cycle either 125, 250 or the whopping 375km. And yes, people can actually do this in one day, for those of you wondering.

The route passes from Breda to Groningen via Utrecht along the ‘coastline’. Those of you familiar with the Netherlands, will realise immediately that the route described above is not really a coastal route.

And to be honest, that got me thinking: Why did the organizers choose this route and why did they call it a ‘coastal’?

Let me explain. The route follows the actual sea level line, running from Goes to Groningen. So, if there was no human intervention, such as building dykes or pumping water, then this would have been the actual Dutch coastline.

But of course, there is intervention. And this made me realize in a very powerful way how vulnerable the Netherlands is, especially if climate change continues unabated. I guess cycling can be a very simple yet impactful way to attract attention and create engagement.

Carbon commitment

In addition, what also appealed to me with the approach of the Climate Classic, is the fact that it is not so much a fundraiser as it is an awareness raiser. Because, no matter how good a cause might be, I think we are all a little tired of the continual push for sponsorship for marathon running or cycling up mountains etc.

All Stichting Cycling 4 Climate asks for – on top of a small participation fee – is for me to make a ‘carbon commitment’: in other words, to try and reduce my carbon footprint.

That really got me thinking about what my family and I can do. I am not talking about any grand gestures that may never happen or that would cost too much: I am talking about something I can do now, that will have an immediate impact.

This may sound very simple to some of you, but truth be told, I hear a great deal of climate talk from people regarding things outside their sphere of influence. Well, this is all about immediate pragmatic impact.

Empowering focus

Like most people, I am far from perfect for multiple reasons, and this opportunity gave me my own action plan. And if I’m honest, it made me feel a bit better about myself.

That shift from focusing on the things I can’t do or that will take a lot of time, to the things I actually can do, no matter how small they may be, is very empowering. And I owe this realization to a cycling marathon.

So, thank you Stichting Cycling 4 Climate. We at Enlit look forward to working with you to help get people engaged and make their carbon commitment. After all – that clock is ticking.