CWC BIKES 1000 miles of Science and Adventure on Two Wheels
Not your ordinary college outing. Broadening Inclusion Knowledge & Experience in Science (BIKES)
CWC BIKES
BIKES: BROADENING INCLUSION KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN SCIENCE
AN EXPEDITION SCIENCE PROJECT hosted by the ALPINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE (ASI)
THE ASI
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
BIKES is an expedition science project developed by Central Wyoming College's Alpine Science Institute with funding support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through ESPSCOR Wind River Microgrants CO-WY AMP program and the NASA WY Space Grant Consortium; and in collaboration with BIKES friends and sponsors.
Aidan Hereford, Tara Jorgenson, Jada Antelope. Photo by Stacy Wells
Wyoming trails and two-track are perfect terrain for training for the Great Divide Mountain Biking Route (GDMBR). The route has miles and miles of remote gravel roads and several hundred miles of the route passes through Wyoming
The BIKES team at the Alpine Science Institute.
BIKES originates from the hearts and imagination of CWC students and staff, and is backed by friends and supporters of the Central Wyoming College Alpine Science Institute in Lander, Wyoming.
The goal of BIKES is to increase diversity and inclusion in science and outdoor recreation by combining a student-resarch program with an ultra-distance cycling adventure. BIKES fostered cultural awareness while advancing skills in scientific research design, personal and group leadership, and wilderness travel during a spectacular 1000 mile journey on two wheels.
THE SCIENCE
The BIKES research and ride teams measured and mapped air quality along the continental divide of the US using portable air quality sensors. These sensors were linked to location and the air quality data they collected was stored on a phone app.
We needed something affordable and lightweight that would allow us to map and analyze air quality data from two wheels. We opted for the PLUME Flow 2 Air quality Sensor and equipped each rider with one of these units.
THE RATIONALE
BIKES is a model for inclusive experiential learning that fostered a welcoming and diverse community; expanded scientific literacy; developed skills in wilderness travel and leadership; and introduced students to the sport of ultra-distance cycling.
The Great Divide is a both an iconic symbol and the quintessential location for measurable action that will increase diversity and inclusion in science, cycling, and adventure travel.
BIKES provided the infrastructure to enable students plan an academic research project, launch a major backcountry cycling adventure and work together as a team to support each other.
BIKES will use the power of place, cultural connection to landscape, physical challenge, and adventure, to teach science, leadership, and adventure travel skills. Scientific, logistical and physical preparation starts in November 2020. The team will require eight full months of engagement to gain the skills to be successful in their 1000 mile scientific exploration and cycling adventure.
A common experience, particularly a very challenging one, is one of the finest ways to embrace, and bridge our differences, and to find common ground. Simply completing the training and preparation required to launch the ride is noteworthy, and finishing the ride is not a given. The distances, the weather and the terrain are grueling. For those who love to ride, and love the thrill of learning, and of adventure - this is the journey of a lifetime.
Aidan Hereford training for BIKES, Out for a ride with CWC faculty and Mountain Bike coach Stacy Wells
THE PLANNING
Preparation will begin in November 2020. By June 11, 2021, the BIKES team will be ready to start their science, cycling and cultural exploration adventure in Roosville, Montana.
BIKES will foster teamwork and communication while building a new community of academics, outdoor adventurers, and long distance cyclists.
Students will participate in pre-expedition college courses, engage in a scientific research project, and receive mentorship and fitness coaching. The team will embrace cultural diversity and includes a wide range of students and riders from different backgrounds.
THE RIDERS
CLICK on THE IMAGES FOR FULL PHOTOS
THE ROUTE
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) traverses the Continental Divide of North America from Canada to New Mexico. The GBMBR both a magnet for adventurers and a symbol of the challenges students face in gaining access to education, opportunity and outdoor recreation.
The BIKES ride and research expedition will begin in Roosville, Montana on June 9, 2021
BIKES participants will learn about the landscape, its history and cultural relevance, and will have the adventure of a lifetime!
BIKES includes students from several fields of study and a mix of new and experienced cyclists. For some participants the greatest meaning will be found in the ride itself - the challenge, the adventure, the camaraderie. For others, the cycling is secondary to learning about each other and about the cultural and historic significance of the MT and WY landscapes.
For students wishing to develop scientific research skills, BIKES will provide a solid tool kit for asking good scientific questions and organizing data. For students who wish to pursue careers in the field of Outdoor Education and Leadership, BIKES will provide an opportunity to practice peer and group leadership in backcountry environments. For students wishing to connect culture, community and history, the power will be in the landscape itself. For all students, the physical challenge is guaranteed to be satisfying, demanding and rewarding.
Wyoming - the Finish
The Finish
Atlantic City, Wyoming
STAFF and STORYTELLERS
GIVING
For non-riding supporters, giving to this project will provide funds to purchase bikes, touring gear, cycling clothing, camping gear, and to cover travel costs associated with this undertaking.
During the ride, participants will continue to raise funds for The Bridging the Divide Scholars fund. This role of this scholarship is to create more opportunities to improve access to both educational and outdoor adventure activities. Supporters are invited to share details of the event with their friends, families and communities, follow the riders online, and offer support and encouragement for this team and the change they wish to bring.
SHARING
Please share this link and spread the word!
On June 11, 2021, starting in Banff, Alberta, Canada the CWC BIKES team will start their tout alongside more than 200 riders from all over the world. Some riders will race, some will tour - all will have the adventure of a lifetime!
This team will ride the ride for themselves, their Tribes, their community, and their college. They will ride to advance their education, and to help foster a more inclusive, more equitable tomorrow.
Give to BIKES
To support this project please contact Beth Monteiro at the CWC foundation bmonteir@cwc.edu
BIKES: Learning. Sharing. Exploring.