Bay to Bay the Long Way

In the summer of 1994, David Warren and Brandon Duisenberg bicycled across the USA from San Francisco Bay to Chesapeake Bay, raising awareness about transportation issues along the way, cycling 67 days and 4,600 miles.

Bay to Bay the Long Way

(published in Action, vol 4, no 5, Nov–Dec 1993)

4,000 miles of pedaling await Bran­don Duisenberg and David Warren, both 21, who plan to spend the summer of ’94 biking across the country. The goal of their journey is to encourage the use of alterna­tive transportation while raising a little money for Bay Area Action.

“Through contribu­tions from friends and lo­cal businesses, we plan to raise money for the trip and split what we earn with BAA,” explained Duisenberg. “We’re ask­ing people to pledge what they feel comfortable with for each mile. One penny per mile would be a $40 contribution.”

“We want to see our country and meet as many people as we can,” said Warren. “Maybe some people will realize that if it is not such a big deal to bike 4,000 miles, then they’ll start using their bicycles for local errands.”

Duisenberg and Warren grew up in Palo Alto and have known each other since they were two. For Christmas of 1977, at the age of five, their families were living under one roof. Santa brought each boy a new red bicycle, and they learned to ride together. Sixteen years later, the two col­lege students will ride together again, this time learning about the country they live in.

Any suggestions, ideas or pledges would be greatly appreciated. Please leave a message at BAA, (415) 321-1994.

Culmination

(published in Action, vol 6, no 1, Winter 1995)

After 67 days and 4,600 miles, BAA cyclists David Warren and Brandon Duisenberg arrived in Boston to finish their epic summer journey.

Ten newspaper articles and a radio interview helped the two spread their message about transportation alternatives to thousands of people along the way.

“Coming from the Bay Area, we felt the best advice we could give to rural communities is to develop comprehensive transportation plans before it’s too late,” said Duisenberg.

Great work, guys! You’re an inspiration to us all.

Success as a fundraiser

As mentioned above, local press along the way helped spread the word about alternative transportation. The project endorsed as a Palo Alto Centennial event, and the City of Palo Alto passed a resolution recognizing the importance of their ride.

TBD whether this fundraiser actually resulted in any funds beyond project costs.

Also see

See Action vol 5 no 1.