Twentynine Palms -- Cyclists from the Combat Center and the local community took part in the installation’s Earth Day celebration by cycling more than 50 miles in the second annual Park to Park Ride and Festival, April 29, 2017. The ride was hosted by the Combat Center’s Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs, Joshua Tree National Park and the city of Twentynine Palms, Calif. to wrap up a month of Earth Day events held throughout April.
Nearly 70 riders made their way from Knott’s Sky Park to Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park during the more than 50 mile bike ride.
Other events hosted by NREA included the Earth Day 5K Fun Run, Earth Day Extravaganza, annual bike rides and multiple cleanup efforts made on the base and within the Mojave Desert Land Trust area.
“The Park to Park Bike Ride is a community effort,” said Chris Elliot, water resources manager, NREA, and one of the event’s organizers. “We view this as a great opportunity to talk about the Earth Day message but also bring the community together.”
When riders returned to Knott’s Sky Park at the conclusion of the ride, they were greeted by an Earth Day educational fair, food and entertainment. Many different Combat Center entities, as well as local community vendors, attended the event.
“There are a lot of great cyclists out here in Twentynine Palms, (Calif.) and that makes this event even better,” said 1st Lt. Andrew Rudd, executive officer, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. “My buddies and I are glad we were afforded the opportunity to support Earth Day and the national park.”
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