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.
