Marin Moms Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Climate Change in Bhutan (Part 1)
It’s not every day that you witness a group of women discussing bike preparation, training, and conditions in the mountains of the Himalayas. Yet four women with a common purpose of raising awareness on the impact of climate change came together in Mill Valley, California late in 2017. These women signed up for Climate Ride Bhutan (April 18-24, 2018) in the hope of discovering the people and culture of the “happiest place on earth”, rainforest conservation, environmental preservation, and simply traveling to a country they have wished to visit for the longest time.
Meet Lovisa Rubin and Sharon Kramlich and enjoy this interview on what they hope they will find, the challenges they will face and the support they received on their journey to Bhutan.
Q1. What made you join Climate Ride Bhutan?
Lovisa Rubin: Born and raised in Sweden, she spent her 20s traveling and getting a BA in International Relations and Biology and a MS in Biology. After living in Stinson and Tahoe for the last twelve years she arrived in Mill Valley, by way of 6 months in Bali, with her husband and two sons a couple of years ago.
LR: I have always dreamed of going to Bhutan, so when my neighbor sent me an e-mail asking for a donation for a Climate Ride I was instantly interested. Biking AND raising awareness for the environment AND going to Bhutan? Now that sounded like an adventure I wanted to be part of! In my life before kids I had biked through New Zealand, Portugal, Tibet and California - but in the last decade or so gotten busy with life. This felt like an opportunity to get back in the saddle again and travel the way I really love to experience a country - slowly and connected to the ground.
Q2. Is there anything in particular you’d like to learn, discover, understand?
SK: I would like to see and understand the pathways in place to preserve the sustainable socio-economic development, preservation and promotion of culture and tradition, and preservation, and protection of the natural environment which are all at the forefront of their government policy.
Q3. How have you prepared for this trip - physically, mentally and emotionally?
LR: I signed up for the trip in December, and the commitment got me on my bike many times when I would otherwise have made excuses to do other things. Knowing I was going pushed me onto trails I had not been on before and to join a mountain bike trip to Moab with only guys that I probably would have said no thank you to otherwise. So, it pushed me to go places and do things I otherwise would not have.
“Sometimes you have to find the adventures and make them happen, and sometimes they have a way of finding you. Then the challenge is to say yes.” ~ Lovisa Rubin
Q4. As a mother, how will this trip impact your family?
Sharon Kramlich: Originally from Norwich, England, is a traveler with an avid sense of responsibility for the planet. Now living in Mill Valley, California Sharon is a seasoned realtor, mother of 3, animal lover, outdoors women and conservationist, including bee keeping as a hobby.
SK: My family will benefit from the passion for discovery and travel that they see through me. Before leaving I have had the opportunity to discuss Bhutan with them, why I am traveling there and also show them photos and videos to educate them on the people and policies of Bhutan. When I return I look forward to sharing the actual experiences and the photos that I have taken with them. Another added side benefit of this trip is that I will be off the grid and therefore the entire family will need to be far more independent!
“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to immerse myself in the spiritual land of Bhutan and be involved in an inspiring group keen to learn and grow from this enriching experience” - Sharon Kramlich
Q5. What is the one thing about Bhutan and sustainability that has got you intrigued, inspired and invigorated?
LR: The story of Bhutan defending its culture and withstanding immense pressures from an outside world to protect what it feels is a valuable and worthy treasure - and that treasure not being monetary really intrigues me. Few people and few places have succeeded in sticking to those values - and I am curious if Bhutan truly has.