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Seven Cycles Sponsors Transcontinental Expedition

Cycling Silk

Seven Cycles announced today that they have formed a partnership with Cycling Silk to become the official bike supplier for their upcoming yearlong journey. Cycling Silk is both an epic adventure and an exercise in environmental advocacy. The 2011 expedition’s aim is to explore and promote conservation across borders as a force for peace, environmental integrity and sustainable development in mountainous regions along the famous Silk Road from Istanbul to India.

Cycling Silk is comprised of two scientist/ explorers, Kate Harris and Melissa Yule. Kate is a writer, wilderness conservationist, adventurer and photographer. She won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University where she completed her Master’s thesis on transboundary conservation and peace parks. She also holds a Master’s degree from MIT in earth and planetary sciences. Melissa is a social scientist, environmentalist and endurance athlete. In her work and research, Mel combines community development with environmental science to study ecological impacts on human health. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Guelph, and is currently a researcher at the International Development Research Centre in Canada.

Throughout the duration of their trip, Harris and Yule will conduct research to develop case studies on conservation and advocate for eight existing or proposed Transboundary Protected Areas or “Peace Parks” along the mountainous route. They have planned periodic stops along their route to survey the regions, meet with local inhabitants, and continually update followers via their website.

The duo are using bikes to enable the autonomous and adventurous exploration of remote transboundary wildernesses, and to reinforce the notion of the Silk Road as a landscape of continuity, despite the borders that attempt to divide it. In the process, they hope to inspire others to get outside and ride bikes and explore the wild and look beyond borders. Both Kate and Mel will be riding Seven’s Expat S expedition bikes.

“Mel and I are so indescribably thrilled and honored at this chance to ride Sevens down the Silk Road,” said Kate Harris. “With this type of self-supported expedition, having bikes that are utterly dependable and tailored just for us means two fewer things to be concerned about,” added Harris.

“Kate and Mel’s approach to cycling and environmental stewardship fits perfectly with our company philosophy,” said Mattison Crowe, Marketing Manager for Seven Cycles. “Not only do they embrace the challenge, but through their efforts, strive to create an environmental impact many orders of magnitude larger than themselves. On top of all that, this adventure represents an ideal proving ground for our bikes.”

BikeRadar: Seven Cycles offer Earth Day commuter model

Seven Limited Edition Earth Day bike

Boston-based Seven Cycles are offering a limited edition titanium commuter bike to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.

Eco-friendly transportation doesn’t come cheap, though. For US$5,900, you can be the proud owner of a 15-pound beauty, highlighted with Chris King components, Seven’s titanium Tiberius bar, titanium stem and new titanium seatpost, Carbon Drive belt drivetrain, Crankbrothers Cobalt crankset, bamboo fenders and Mavic Open Pro/Chris King wheelset with No Tubes road kit.

“We were working on a carbon footprint reduction project, trying to see how we could reduce energy and materials usage in the fabrication and shipping processes,” marketing manager Mattison Crowe told BikeRadar. “The ‘aha!’ moment occurred when we realized that we could use what we learned to assemble a very cool bike that also impacts the way we will build bikes tomorrow.

“The timing happened to coincide with Earth Day, so we designed the bike to promote sustainability and responsible resource use on a daily basis. We’re trying to add value for the rider who seeks not only fitness and convenience, but is environmentally conscious.”

Seven start with their straight-gauge titanium Muse frame, using sandblasted graphics on the frame rather than traditional adhesive decals, in order to limit resource use. In addition to the standard graphics, each frame includes a sandblasted Earth Graphic on the front of the head tube.

Seven Limited Edition Earth Day bike detail

According to Crowe, Seven have increased their strict standards for energy and resource reduction in the making of these bikes.

“Many processes that require significant power usage will be performed using manual labor. This creates a 25 percent reduction in energy costs,” Crowe explained. “A team of Seven artisans who commute exclusively by bike will handle all design and fabrication. When ready, the bikes will ship via FedEx Ground in a reused box and packing materials.”

“The Earth Day Bike is available immediately and if we receive an order by April 6, we guarantee the frame will ready to ship by April 22,” Crowe added. “Normal delivery timeline for these bikes is four weeks.”

According to Crowe, this offer is available outside the US through Seven’s international distributors.

Anyone who purchases a limited edition Earth Day bike will receive a free one-year membership to Earth Day Network and a subscription to their publication E-Magazine, worth US$35. Seven have also committed, as a company, to commuting 7,000 miles by bike for every Earth Day Bike sold. According to Seven, the average American commutes 7,000 miles by car annually, using 350 gallons of fuel.

On April 22, 1970, Earth Day marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, spearheaded by then US Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. Approximately 20 million Americans participated, with a goal of a healthy, sustainable environment.

For more information, visit www.sevencycles.com.