Raleigh Bikers to Cycle to Inauguration

As the presidential inauguration approaches, many people are making plans – driving to D.C., attending local balls, viewing parties, etc. One group of Raleighites, however, is taking the festivities a step further; to not only witness this historical moment in person, but also to further the ideologies they supported during the presidential campaign for which they volunteered. The group’s resulting feelings of empowerment served as a driving force of inspiration for their Inauguration Bike Ride. In keeping with their manifesto, Matthew Huffman, Darryl Jones, and Matt Watts will promote sacrifice in a time of economic hardship, more ecologically friendly modes of transportation, a challenge to ineffective social norms, and an attitude of change that has become so intertwined with the Obama campaign/administration. Their means of achieving this ongoing statement? By making the trip from Raleigh to D.C. - all 277 miles of it - by bicycle. At the completion of the trip the cyclists will ride the train back to Raleigh.

From left to right: Matt Watts, Matt Huffman, and Darryl Jones (photo by Darryl Jones)

The entire trip is slated to occur over four days, with each leg getting progressively shorter (the longest being around eighty miles, the shortest being around fifty-five miles). The group will leave on Thursday, the 15th of January, with a televised sendoff provided by NBC 17 that morning, and plan to arrive in D.C. on the 18th. With Darryl’s help, the group is working to arouse the support of cyclists along their route by utilizing local bike associations and craigslistings.  Their hope is to gain anyone interested for any length of the trip.

Along with the five cyclists, the group will also utilize a support car that will not only be on hand with supplies in case any problems arise, but will serve as the anchor between the cyclists and the people they hope to inspire. Scott Heath will act as journalist for the group, providing updates for followers on the team’s blog, as well as the NBC 17 blog. Riding shotgun is Cory Livengood, a recent Film Studies/Communications major, who was stirred by the group to film/photograph the journey, after which he will compile the footage into a documentary to further instigate individuals to promote positive change.

From left to right: Cory Livengood (standing), Matt Huffman, Darryl Jones and Scott Heath (photo by Mary Ellis)

After arriving in D.C., the group will not yet consider their job complete. Instead, after biking and camping their way to the nation’s capital, possibly through a decent amount of forecasted snow, the team hopes to answer Obama’s call for a Day of Service on the nationally recognized birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The proposed activity is the MLK Day & 44th Presidential Inaugural Anacostia EcoTour (by Bike), which will tour successful environmental projects in the Anacostia Watershed and promote similar ventures. However, understandably, the gentlemen will probably opt out of the ride, and instead help with the event in another way.

Possibly most important to the group, despite their enthusiasm for the ride and what it stands for, is their fundraising effort. If you are interested in donating, the money will go to the International Rescue Committee, which provides aid and relief to developing countries. The IRC’s main focus falls on working with refugees in those developing countries, especially those in greatest need.