Two years ago, Shannon Galpin became the first woman to mountain bike in Afghanistan, a country where women are no longer allowed to ride bikes. In 2010, she rode across the Panjshir Valley, a 2-day journey of more than 150 km that tested the perception of women riding bikes, while highlighting the beauty and potential for adventure in this remote area of the world.

On October 8, riders across the US used their bikes as vehicles for social change by participating in the Panjshir Tour — showing their support and raising funds to fuel Mountain 2 Mountain‘s programs in Afghanistan. Well, now it’s time to celebrate.

If you’re anywhere near Denver, don’t miss the finale ride tomorrow at Bear Creek Lake. Show up wat 10a.m. on Saturday, October 15, to empower women and children in Afghanistan. Look forward to delicious refreshments from New Belgium Brewing beer, and Oogave – The original agave soda, sweet gear from from Osprey Packs, a wheel set from Stans NoTubes, and gorgeous red frame from Niner Bikes. All up for grabs and in support of Mountain 2 Mountain.

Shannon wrote on the prAna blog:

It was my goal to challenge perceptions and invite conversation on both sides of the equation. Challenging the stereotypes of women and Americans in Afghanistan, while challenging parallel stereotypes of Afghans as a people and as a nation in the United States. Bridging cultures and communities on two wheels… by coming together with our bikes, we can fight for justice, we can battle for change, and we can do it one pedal stroke at a time.

Advocacy, Bikes Around the World, Events, Pedaling Change human rights, international, mountain 2 mountain, shannon galpin

Photo courtesy 88Bikes

This summer, Osprey participated in 88Bikes’ Village project in our own backyard of Navajo Nation. The project focuses on small rural locations where bikes can have a major impact. We have long supported the incredible work of 88Bikes because we believe that bikes really can change the world.

To continue our support of 88Bikes, we will be selling our new Zealot 1o packs at Interbike next week. Packs are $35 with 100% of the proceeds going straight to getting more kids on bikes. If you’ll be at Interbike, please swing by the booth and pick up a pack and support 88Bikes!

Learn more about 88Bikes and how you can help, here.

Advocacy, Events, Non-profits 88bikes, human rights, product promotion