Two women are biking across the United States with the goal of raising half a million dollars to support sustainable climate solutions after an accident nearly fractured their plans last summer.

Donna Minter, a member of Faith Mennonite Church in Minneapolis, and Lutheran pastor Becky Bolander began their 3,200-mile “Grammy Climate Ride” April 1 in San Diego with plans to arrive in St. Augustine, Fla., in June.

Minter, who turned 67 in March, is seeking to support five nonprofit organizations to help make the world a better place for her — and everyone else’s — grandchildren. These organizations include Climate Generation, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Third Act, Climate Ride and Climate STARR (Climate Strategies for Trauma, Action, Resilience and Regeneration). Climate STARR is modeled on a trauma-awareness program developed by the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University.

The cross-country bike trip was intended to begin last fall, but Bolander was hit by a car in July while on a training ride near her home in Toledo, Ohio. Her multiple hip and pelvic fractures have healed, and by April 11 the duo had reached Phoenix.

“We are very aware of headwinds, tailwinds and sidewinds, as well as the sun and cloud cover, the sunrises and sunsets and, of course, the terrain elevation changes,” said Minter, who is spending the miles memorizing the Sermon on the Mount and praying. “Becky and I regularly read a devotional together and discuss how this ride is incredibly humbling in so many ways.

“The power of climate reminds us of our vulnerability as humans to the forces of nature. We are used to assuming we have control of life, but we certainly don’t out here. It becomes clearer and real that we are not in control. God’s creation is in control, and we have to do our best to get with the program, or things won’t go so well. Being on this ride is like constant worship to our living, loving God.”

They plan to visit Austin Mennonite Church as they pass through Texas and are interested in connecting with other faith communities along the route in locations such as El Paso; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La.; Pass Christian, Miss.; and Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville, Fla.

“Thanks to many AW readers, I raised over $20,000 in 2024, and this was dispersed to the five climate justice action organizations in December,” Minter said. “In 2025, over $11,000 has been raised for these five climate justice beneficiaries. The goal is to raise $500,000, because the climate crisis is huge and requires all of us to do our part.”

The fundraiser can be found by searching for “Grammy Ride” at climateride.org.