Peddling from Fairbanks, Alaska to Washington D.C., a lonely figure creeps along Highway 16. Facing -20 C temperatures, torturous mountain climbs and little but a tent and collapsible stove, the 66-year-old man, who has adopted the name Peacerider, is on a journey which he hopes will spread peace and awareness wherever he goes.

“So I ride. With a peaceful message.”

Don Ross brought his message of peace and change to students at Jasper Jr./Sr. High school and École Desrochers on Nov. 26, speaking to them about climate change.

“What I’m hoping to do is draw greater attention to do something about climate change,” Ross said.

Having already travelled 2,000 kilometres since Oct. 3 from his hometown on his bicycle, Ross said there have been some difficult moments on his trip thus far, but he’s been able to talk to many people about his journey and the need to combat climate change.

Ross hopes that by travelling to Washington on his bicycle, during the winter months, he will draw attention to climate change, and will lobby the American Government to strengthen legislation limiting the amount of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere. He also aims to begin a ‘Ride for the Planet’ where people around the globe will ride their bicycle to send a message about reducing CO2 emissions.

A Vietnam vet (he left in 1972) who has worked as a bush pilot in Alaska for 25 years, Ross said he’s been fortunate to see so much natural beauty while flying around his home state. But he realizes it is slowly disappearing, and said children will be burdened with the task of cleaning up the current mess.

“You will have to suffer the consequence,” Ross said.

A disconnect from the world around us, and one another is the source of the world’s problem, Ross told the school children.

“It’s about all of us coming together, to tell our leaders to make a difference. I see a lot of people doing that, but a lot of the actions are scattered and separate. But now is the time to do something,” Ross said.

One of his toughest days came between Jasper and Hinton, where winds by Talbot Lake nearly sidelined him. However he persevered into town, and began making his way into British Columbia to continue his journey.

He plans to arrive in Washington in late April or May, where he hopes many will join him in his ride for the planet. He hopes to meet with politicians in Washington, but is cynical that moneyed interests have greater access than the general public.

“There are powerful forces working against us – money interests who want to maintain the status quo,” Ross said.

But he hopes his own story will help inspire change, noting that we all have the capacity to heal.

“Someone of my obvious vintage cycling at this difficult time, tells us we have to act,” Ross said.

Students at the High School were enthusiastic about the journey, and said they’d like to have their own ride for the planet in Jasper. Students and teachers also suggested Ross end his journey in Washington on April 22 – Earth Day.