(I wrote this at ecogeneration.org on 8/16/10)

Four avid bicyclists made an epic trip this summer to raise awareness about an even more epic journey: true independence from oil.

 In June, with millions of gallons of oil still spewing into the Gulf, George Makrinos took off on a well-publicized 2,400-mile bike tour from Alaska to California -- later joined by Brian Bolen, Leo Salom and Sean Bolen.

The men spread their pro-bike, anti-oil message along the way and decided to make it a fundraiser for the environment 

 "This is more than just a ride," George and Brian said as the tour began.  "This summer we're riding with a sense of urgency. In the face of the recent coal-mining and oil-spill catastrophes, we're invited to reconsider the consequences of our fossil-fuel appetite and act toward solutions to avoid future costs to our environment." Last week, when the men finally finished their landmark ride, they'd netted more than $2,000 for the Center's Gulf efforts.