Last summer, four women packed up some organic food and a guitar and jumped on their bike seats for the bumpy 500kms journey from Banff, AB to Nelson, BC. This expedition was undertaken to celebrate a commitment to physical, spiritual and emotional well-being and to recognize the importance of deep, meaningful connections between people and place.

This summer, two of the original saddle-sore team members will again be tuning up their bikes and throwing on their chamois to continue the journey westward. Heather Hendrie and Zhiish McKenzie will be living out their commitment to their health and their environment as they pedal the 650kms from Nelson, BC on to Vancouver, BC. They have named their ride REVOLUTION because they are hoping to help transform the current reality of breast cancer. One hundred percent of donations will go to LaLunaLove’s programs.

McKenzie smiles, “We hope to generate $1500 for LaLunaLove’s Pink and Green Ribbon Health Program Fund by undertaking this journey. We’d like to draw public attention to the links between the environment and women’s health. We would gratefully accept monetary contributions, which will go directly to the Fund. Contributions $25 and over will receive tax receipts.” Hendrie adds, “We are very proud to be able to carry LaLunaLove’s message across Western Canada in such an active and exciting way.”

Heather Hendrie is a graduate of the University of Calgary’s Outdoor Pursuits Program. She is passionately committed to working for a better world through her writing, environmental activism and interest in community development. Heather currently works for Backroads, alternately leading bicycle tours internationally and writing cultural snapshots for the Backroads Inside Scoop. Heather hopes someday to take part in the creation and implementation of an intentional, off-the-grid community. “This is our chance to really shout out our message,” Hendrie says, “It is, after all, the Summer of Double O Seven and we are licensed to LOVE!”

Zhiish McKenzie is just wrapping up her second year of medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Upon receiving her first degree in Native Studies, Zhiish went on to work for many years in the outdoor field with organizations such as Outward Bound Canada and Ghost River Rediscovery. Zhiish is committed to Aboriginal activism, minimizing her impact through lifestyle choices and finding balance in her full life. Zhiish comments, “I really connect with the message of LaLunaLove, Love your planet. Love your body. Love your life.”