The Peace Ride for Tibet’s Independence has been progressing quite well since its inception last Saturday. At this point, the riders have completed about 200 miles, with 400 miles left to go. They will finish the bike ride next Saturday. To see pictures and read reports about this exciting project, visit www.rangzen.org. We are doing are best to post new daily reports, but we are challenged by technology, so I encourage you to keep checking the site for updates.
Before I share more general information about what has happened to date, I want to invite you to the demonstration scheduled to be held in front of The PRC Consulate in Toronto (240 South George Street) on April 24 (Saturday) from 12pm to 2pm. The riders will arrive at the Consulate at noon and we will then participate in a huge demonstration. Please consider coming and asking others to do the same. For those of you attending the Kalachakra, it would be great to have you, your family members, and your friends participate in the demonstration as well.
We still need about $3500 (U.S. dollars) to cover our expenses. Not surprisingly, many unexpected costs arose. Please consider making a donation. Details of how to do this follow at the end of this message.
Like I said, thus far, the bike ride has been quite successful. We have appeared on a number of local TV stations and our efforts have been reported in many local newspapers. More importantly, we have been interviewed regularly by Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, assuring that the people in Tibet know of this effort.
Along the way, the local people have been terrific offering us food, lodging, bike gear, and other equipment. For instance, the other day, we could not do our own cooking because of a lack of facilities and we decided to eat at a very small, rural restaurant. At the end of the meal, we were surprised to learn that the owner gave us dinner, free of charge (a $200 savings)! Thanks so much Ruthies Diner!
Lots of uninformed people have learned about Tibet through our evening presentations and informal discussions along the way. Further, the young Tibetan riders have learned more about the situation in Tibet and have become even more motivated to stand up for Tibet’s independence through participation in this project.
As you might have heard, the bike riders are actively discussing the Tibetan Hunger Strike at the United Nations with everyone they meet. The hunger strike has been a strong inspiration for the riders. The riders also experienced first hand the effects of the crash of Flight 93 on September 11th. All of these things have strengthened the resolve of the bike riders to pursue a nonviolent solution to regaining their country.
This next week, the riders will need to cover a lot of distance. They are truly a remarkable group of people humbling many individuals they have met. As a result, it is certain this bike ride for Tibet’s Independence will continue beyond Toronto until the Snow Lion fly’s once again at the Potala Palace. Hope to see you in Toronto!
If you are willing to make a donation, please make checks payable to ITIM which is a 501(c)3. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law.
Send Financial Contributions to:
International Tibet Independence Movement
PO Box 592
Fishers, Indiana 46038-0592
United States
peace, Larry Gerstein
President, International Tibet Independence Movement
rangzen@aol.com; www.rangzen.org
