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SAFE ENERGY WAKE-UP RIDE--COLUMBIA TO ST. LOUIS, OCT. 14-17:
Missourians for Safe Energy (MSE) is the Peaceworks project that is working to promote support for a sustainable energy future based upon efficiency and renewables, while working to stop any new nuclear power plants from being built, including the possibility that AmerenUE might build a new nuke in mid-Missouri's Callaway County.
MSE is gearing up for a major public awareness event, our first ever "Safe Energy Wake-Up Ride." Participants in this bike ride will travel the MKT and the KATY Trails from downtown Columbia to St. Louis, serving as the Paul and Paula Reveres of Safe Energy. Here is the sign-up form
LOOKING FOR RIDERS: While final details need to be nailed down, the general plan is to depart from the Columbia MKT Trailhead on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 14. Some folks might want to rally with us for safe energy and just travel a few miles down the MKT in solidarity. Others may want to ride the whole way to Jefferson City and then be shuttled back.
Some long distance riders may be able to be part of this for two, three or even four days. We will welcome participation on the level feasible for each individual.
The general game plan is to ride from Columbia to Jefferson City on Saturday, October 14; from Jefferson City to Hermann on Sunday, October 15; from Hermann to Weldon Spring on Monday, October 16, and from Weldon Spring to St. Louis on Tuesday, October 17. At each location we will hold public programs and news conferences.
We will also be looking for riders who will join the ride in progress on the second, third or fourth days.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP WITH THE RIDE: In addition to lining up riders, there is much to be done to make this effort successful. We need folks in Jeff City, Hermann, St. Charles and St. Louis who want to work with us. We need folks who will help line up venues for our public programs. We also need folks to help with overnight housing and hospitality, as well as to do local publicity. If you live in any of these areas, or have family or friends there who might be interested, please let us know ASAP.
We also need folks who can drive our sag wagons and folks who can shuttle riders and bikes back to Columbia. We also will likely need to borrow some bike racks. We'll also be looking for donations of food, including trail food (energy bars, etc.) and beverages.
SPREAD THE WORD: This is likely to be a fun event, but our primary reason for doing it is that it holds the potential of having a significant political impact. Our Wake-Up Ride hopefully will make many more Missourians aware of what's at stake in terms energy, including the prospect of a new nuclear plant being built right here. Most Missourian have yet to hear about this. This is the time, however--before Ameren has signed any contracts or made any commitments--when we are most likely to be able to stop it.
Please forward this information to anyone you think might be interested in helping or participating.
FINAL NOTE: The Safe Energy Wake-Up Ride is NOT a fundraiser. While we do need money to do our work, we want our purposes here to be clear. Public education and awareness is our sole reason for doing this.
Please Sign Up!
You can sign up for this ride by filling out this form. We will also be having some practice rides, if your interested. Thanks, and we hope to see you soon.
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