Ashley Hunt-Martorano, of Medford, is putting her pedal to the metal by biking 300 miles from Manhattan to Washington, DC to raise awareness about climate issues and renewable energy on Long Island.
Hunt-Martorano will join fellow Long Islander, Marie Rose of Deer Park, and more than 200 other cyclists in the Climate Ride. The trip is a five-day ride, taking place May 19-23, to raise money for and awareness of climate change, renewable energy and bicycle advocacy. Rose and Hunt-Martorano will be raising funds for East Hampton based not-for-profit Renewable Energy Long Island.
“Despite current political debating, science continues to inform us of the serious threats posed by climate change,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. “We hope that the same effort and dedication that Ashley and Marie are putting into the Climate Ride rubs off on our elected officials.”
The two Long Island women will bike approximately 60 miles a day and take part in educational seminars about the science, policies and solutions to the current climate crisis.
This is Hunt Martorano's taking this on.
“Last year’s ride was an amazing experience which allowed me to make connections with incredible people who are bike enthusiasts and climate activists...," said Ashley Hunt-Martorano, Supervisor of Program Operations for Conservation Services Group (CSG), the leading provider of residential energy efficiency programs in North America. "...but even more importantly, I was able to bring attention to our climate crisis and raise over $4000 through support from friends, family, and local businesses for a deserving not-for-profit organization.”
Hunt-Martorano and Rose became friends last year through a local bike group, Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association (SBRA) and have spent many miles on their bikes together since.
"I want to make a positive change to impact future generations and this is my way to show my support to the non-profit organizations and to raise awareness of the climate crisis. I can't think of any better way of seeing the beautiful planet we live on more than by bicycle," Rose said.
Hunt-Martorano is looking forward to the accompaniment this year.
“I look forward to sharing this amazing adventure with a friend this year. There is nothing like riding through Amish country playing leapfrog with a horse and buggy while on your bike,” Hunt-Martorano said. “Marie and I have been training really hard, riding several times a week and increasing our distance and pace each week. Last weekend alone we both put over 110 miles on our bikes.”
Rose and Hunt-Martorano are looking to each raise $2,400 for the cause. Click here to make a donation in support of the Long Island team.
