Caravaning For Conservation: Cycling Festivals and Rides Across America

People are getting that biking saves trees. So it makes sense that eco-themed bike tours and festivals are popping up across America.

The annual Brita Climate Ride takes cyclists, over a five-day course, from the banks of Manhattan to a D.C. rally via the lush countryside. Food and lodging are provided for, and in the evening, riders hear experts discussing sustainability issues; each cyclist raises at least $2,400. Though this event already happened in 2011 (May 13-17), now's a good time to start training for 2012.

The Tour de Fat, a traveling bike festival organized by New Belgium Brewing Co., is in its fourth year. The event encourages attendees to sign away their car for a year in exchange for a new commuter bike. As they say, “It’s about weaning yourself off the petroleum teat.” The Tour kicks off in Durham, North Carolina, on June 25 and ends on Oct. 22 in Austin, Texas.

For California cyclists, Climate Ride California, the Brita ride’s western cousin, takes the scenic route from Humboldt Redwoods State Park to San Francisco. The 60-to-80-mile fundraising sojourn runs Oct. 2-6.

The ubergreen Fort Collins Cycling Festival gears bikers toward shrinking their carbon footprint — and treadmark. The Colorado event happens Aug. 19-21.

Are none of these festivals are close to you? Launch your own cycling-themed event! Or look into travel companies that'll take you on your own eco-biking adventure.

--Juliana Hanle