Last Thursday at The Eldridge, two ambitious ladies were throwing a benefit party called “Bitches on Bikes” to raise money for a five-day ride to Washington, D.C. Why? To save the environment! It was really hot outside—maybe climate change had already begun.

Shawna Seldon, who works for green groups, decided to ride when Randy Swisher, director of the American Wind Energy Association, called her up about Brita’s Climate Ride, a 300-mile bike trip from New York to Washington D.C. “We’re riding to D.C. to talk to congressmen about issues.There’s a climate bill in Congress right now, and a lot of forces trying to weaken it,” she said. She’s adding spin classes to her workouts to prepare.

Her friend Vanessa Liberati, founder of the Gitana Rosa Gallery in Williamsburg (“Brooklyn’s first green gallery”), is coming along: “I always go bike riding everywhere with her.” She’s training by doing laps in Prospect Park, 15 or 20 miles per day. But to do the right thing, each bitch planning on riding a bike to D.C. must first raise $2,400 for various environmental groups, hence this party. Art from Vanessa’s gallery served as handy collateral, with a silent auction. Prices were steep ($1,000 for some pieces) so one put hope in the $10 raffle tickets. Gallery interns circulated with clipboards, recruiting guests to buy.