After tying the knot this past weekend, New Hampshire newlyweds Josh Arnold and Molly Messenger ride off into their sunset-filled honeymoon Thursday — on bikes.
Following Arnold’s proposal last summer on top of the White Mountains’ West Bond during a week-long backpacking trip, and a rustic wedding at the Barn at Moody Mountain Farm in New Hampshire, the couple wanted their honeymoon to be just as environmental and adventurous. That’s why they chose to participate in the first-ever Climate Ride Northeast, a 390-mile-long route that commences Thursday at Bar Harbor, Maine, and ends Monday when riders reach Boston. Messenger plans to wear a helmet adorned with a Velcro-veil, and Arnold will don a tux-inspired bike jersey.
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Climate Ride is a nonprofit that supports environmental and bike advocacy organizations — among its beneficiaries is Arnold’s own organization, Global Awareness Local Action , which he founded in 2006 to promote sustainability.
“It’s based on the barn-raising model, bringing people together to transform sites into more ecologically regenerative [spaces],” said Arnold, who hopes the ride will raise $15,000.
Arnold also said the ride will give him the chance to meditate on his new marriage.
“Everyone tells us, it all happens so fast,” he said. “So this bike ride, I really think doing something physical, with solitude in it, is a great way to let all that love integrate, soak it up, and give us the space to do that.”