About the Ride
Now accepting 2009 tour applications!
Do the problems of poverty and international cooperation seem overwhelming at times? Do you ever wish you could do something and KNOW it was making a real difference, to a real person? YOU CAN.
Global Agents for Change is Riding to Break the Cycle again! Each year we launch amazing youth run, long distance cycling journeys raising funds and awareness for issues of global poverty.
We build teams of 25 incredible young people (18-30) who spend their summer not only learning about issues of global development, but also themselves over the course of an epic physical and mental journey.
For 2009, we are running two tours:
Pacific Coast - Vancouver to Tijuana (3000km, 7 weeks, departs May 31*)
European - Amsterdam to Istanbul (4000km, 8 weeks, departs July 1st*)
*both dates subject to small changes
Each tour aims to raise $100,000 for critical global development goals, with the team deciding what projects will be supported. Funds also support our youth managed microcredit fund, helping developing world entrepreneurs with small trust based loans as they pull their families out of poverty.
If you are up for a physical and mental challenge along some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world, if you are prepared to inspire and be inspired, and if you are ready to help people build themselves a better life, we want to hear from you!
2009 Applications now being accepted - first deadline is October 31st!
2009 PACIFIC COAST Ride Application
Mexico Route Note - This is one of the most sought out cycling routes in the world. Peddling south from Vancouver takes riders through the farmland and forests of Washington, sand dunes and hill climbs of Oregon, old growth redwoods and stunning coastline in California, and fun stops in cities like Seattle, San Francisco and LA. This tour is packed with unforgettable experiences and each day’s scenery seems more beautiful than the last. The tour ends with an impactful visit to join microcredit borrowers and community workers in Tijuana, Mexico.
European Route Note - Rolling 100 km a day from Amsterdam through Germany, touching in Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest before heading southeast to Istanbul. 2009 is the inaugural year for the European Route and much is subject to change. As compared to the more established Mexico Route, this tour is best suited for individuals with a sense of adventure and a strong willingness to contribute to planning and organizing. Patience and a sense of humour will be important on this tour, as even with thorough preparation plans may change frequently and/or unexpectedly.
Check out the Pacific Coast Ride Route Map
View the 2008 blog updates from the rider team
We are also seeking ride leader’s to help organize and run the tours, please see the application for details. Applications approved as received.
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Just came back from your first fund raiser. Was really impressed with your focus and professionalism. Congratulations. Love your web site - since I have a blog of a similar title and sentiment, I’ve blogged about you tonight and will do all I can to spread the word….As Gandhi said, simply “be the change you wish to see in the world” and you could start an evolution!
www.agentsofchange.typepad.com
What you’re doing is incredible and I’m really glad to be able to help out with you guys. You’ve done so much in such little time.
What’s most remarkable about microcredit is that it is a SUSTAINBLE way to help families and communities. On top of that, it takes such little time, money to do it! You can make a loan with a click of a mouse through www.kiva.org.
How appealing is that when you eventually get your money back when you decide to help a family.
“It is better to light a candle than to curse at the darkness”-Chinese proverb
A very noble cause. I wish you all the success that this world can give you. Teaching and Lending to facilitate change is a much more powerful lesson/experience than Doing for Someone and Giving, in which the individuals take nothing with them as they move forward. Knowledge is good combined with practical experience is even better.
Bravo! It is so impressive that you have taken on a large endeavor for your first project. How are you financing the trip cost? Do you intend on leaving the $100K recycling in microcredit loans with Kiva or do you have plans for the funds after the loans are repaid?
Hi Bob,
Thanks so much for your interest, and just to respond quickly to your comments/questions:
1) At this point we are completely self-financing the entire trip, with our riders paying not only trip expenses, but organizational expenses out of pocket. We are actively seeking sponsorship of course, as this is a bit of a stretch for most of the crew!
2) We have committed to re-lend all funds as they are repaid, helping thousands of families over time. As part of the goal is to build a sustainable system for the working poor, we would like to be a part of that by maintaining the microlending fund in perpetuity.
Thanks so much again for the support, and please let us know if we can provide any more information!
Cheers,
Shawn Smith
President - Agents of Change
Hi Anna,
Thank-you for coming out and supporting us at our launch event! We appreciate the blog you included us in, as it really helps us to get the word out there.
Your blogs offer a plethora of information on innovation, the acceptance of change, and creativity. The world is changing, and it is incredibly encouraging to find like-minded individuals that are working with it, rather than against it. Globally, change is inevitable, but we the individuals are the ones who decide whether it a benefit or detriment; through our actions, and our volition.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Kelli Smith
Agent 004
I could repeat all the wonderful things about your couse and your course of actions, but they have already been mentioned here.
So I would like to wish you a safe, fun and wonderful ride all the way down!!
It’s truly wonderful to see words in action. What I mean is that too often we have opinions and comments about things, but you have put yours into concrete actions. This is not only brave but admirable.
“COURAGE” and Godspeed to all of you!
I must tell you that I support you guys to the fullest… specially cuz you are living the drems of teh NOBEL Laureate who fo rme is like a visionary..someone I would look up to.
If you guys need any help jus lemme know…
Hey Guys,
You are so awesome! I can’t wait to meet everyone when you hit SF. I was just curious if you had a route map of your ride on the site?
-Aaron
Just talked Keely. Great cause great people good job!
I meet three of the riders today at Open Air Bicycles in Ventura. (Sold some degreaser) I am impressed and inspired by their passion to cycle and help inform to raise money for such a worthy project. I couldn’t donate anything from the shop, but will be making a cash donation.
Carry On!!
I had the pleasure of meeting one of the riders, Dylan Weil.
I was very impressed with his Being and loved feeling the energy of young people committed to a change!