Lena Gallitano was riding her bicycle along a Raleigh greenway. An avid birder, Gallitano was listening to the birds sing as she pedaled. The birds were quite vocal since they were just starting their nesting season.
She thought to herself: "The birds really do add something to our quality of life here. Why should I ride my bike just for me? Why don't I ride my bike for the birds of North Carolina?"
If you do much birding in North Carolina or belong to one of the state's Audubon chapters, you probably know Gallitano or have heard about her activities. She is active in the Wake Audubon chapter, serves on the board of trustees for Audubon North Carolina and led development of the North Carolina Birding Trail. The trail highlights more than 300 places to see birds across the state.
Gallitano decided that funds raised through her "Bike for the Birds" would go to Audubon North Carolina, which protects bird habitats at nearly 100 bird areas and coastal sanctuaries.
She then signed up for Cycle North Carolina's 500-mile Fall Tour from Elkin to Corolla and started to train in earnest.
Cycle North Carolina was created in 1997 by North Carolina Amateur Sports, the North Carolina Department of Tourism, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Capital Broadcasting Co. to promote fitness, rural communities and the state's beauty. See cnc.ncsports.org.
It was sunny and breezy Sunday, Oct. 2, when about 950 riders left Elkin. Some came from Alaska, California and New Hampshire. They ranged in age from 5 to 83, with an average age of 55. Some rode only a day or two, but many did the entire route over seven days.
As you might expect, not everyone stayed together, but Gallitano was impressed with the organization efforts. Designated rest stops were staffed by NCAS members and local volunteers. And riders had plenty of information about local campgrounds and hotels. Gallitano chose hotels so she would be fresh each morning.
What impressed Gallitano the most was the camaraderie of the riders and everyone associated with the event. The first morning, another rider saw that she was alone and offered to ride with her. Then, there was the manager at the Jonesville Best Western, who lent her $100 when she left her wallet in her car. She repaid the money.
The first day took Gallitano by two local birding hotspots: Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock. At this time of year, migrating hawks, vultures and ravens soar overhead. But Gallitano discovered that you can't do much birding while road cycling. You must keep your eyes on the road to avoid nasty spills. She heard a lot of chickadees. And she saw a few broad-winged hawks and vultures.
Although Gallitano couldn't stop to bird, she took note of places to revisit. In Plymouth, she reunited with local landowners who had teamed with Audubon to stop the U.S. Navy's planned Outlying Landing Field.
At the end in Corolla, Gallitano was tired and exhilarated. To date, her ride has garnered $8,028 from 65 donors to support bird habitats in North Carolina. You can donate to "Bike for the Birds" until Nov. 11. Go to nc.audubon.org and click on "News and Events."
- The Audubon Society of Forsyth County will hold its Second Saturday Birdwalk at Horizons Park on Nov. 12. Meet at 9 a.m. at the parking area on Memorial Industrial School Road. For details, email jcmcclearly@att.net.
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