SAN FRANCISCO--- On the morning of Sunday, June 12, 2005, a group of 11 bicyclists will gather on the north side of the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market to kick-off a ten-week intensive journey across the United States. They will begin to arrive at approximately 9 AM and will stay no later than 10:30 AM. The event—an opportunity for the riders to say goodbye to their friends and family—will include a photo-shoot and a speaker who will discuss the purpose of the ride.

During their ride from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., the riders will stop at 63 communities to learn about various issues facing a range of different people in addition to spreading awareness about Fair Trade and Sustainability—the two themes delegated for this years ride.

Along their way to Washington, D.C., the riders—hailing from California, Colorado, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere—will participate in local community service projects and attempt to engage in cultural and educational exchange. Additionally, by using cycling as their mode of transportation, they will model and promote environmentally sustainable transportation to the people they meet along their route. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bike-Aid program. Since its inauguration, Bike-Aid has offered trips to more than 1,300 riders from around the world, providing opportunities for travel from a unique perspective. As part of their training, riders fundraise to receive pledges from friends, family, and other supporters to cover the costs of the program—also supporting Global Exchange's education and community-organizing mission. This year, Bike-Aid will offer three different rides: the cross-country route, a "border ride" from San Francisco to Tijuana, Mexico, and a trip in Hawaii. Many of the communities in which riders will be accommodated are long-time allies with whom the Bike-Aid program has developed meaningful relationships over the years. Bike-Aid is sponsored by Global Exchange, an international human rights group based in San Francisco which is dedicated to political activism and cultural education by fostering people-to-people ties both nationally and internationally.