Category: Equal Parenting Bike Trek
Posted by Robert Pedersen on Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 9:13 AMMichigan cyclists head to parental rights event in D.C.
On Aug. 15-16, thousands of people will come together in support of parental rights at the DC Festival 2008.
"Parental rights are one of those natural rights that are and should be protected against intrusion by the government," said Lary Holland, head organizer of this massive event. "It is our responsibility as citizens to remind the government of its limitations."
There is tremendous support for the DC Festival 2008 based on media and blog coverage and numerous elected officials such as U.S Congressman Pete Hoekstra (H.J. Res. 97) and state representatives John Stahl (MI H.J. Res. NN) and Lamar Lemmons Jr.
View the master schedule for the DC Festival 2008.
While most are driving and flying to this event, four cyclists are pedaling more than 758 miles to attend the DC Festival 2008 while spreading awareness of the importance of equal parenting rights. Three of the Equal Parenting Bike Trek cyclists are from Michigan:
Brian Downs - judicial candidate in Kent County, Mich.
Bill Foster - cycling for his cousin and uncle Scott Hudson - Michigan state representative candidate for 43rd District.
Robb MacKenzie
The fourth cyclist, Bill Knoellner, started his journey before the others by taking a bus to Michigan from Pennsylvania to cycle the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.
My wife and I had the pleasure of Bill's company the evening before the departure of this cycling trek. He got quite a laugh when I shared with him a parody video that I made regarding the Equal Parenting Bike Trek. Bill represents the PA Families and Children's Equality (FACE) organization.
The Equal Parenting Bike Trek departed on Aug. 7 from the Lansing Michigan Capitol and received a police escort while pedaling through the city. I am thankful to report all cyclists are in good spirits and very healthy despite second degree sunburns and broken derailers and wheels. They made it up the thigh-burning hills in Pennsylvania and now are pedaling downhill at more than 50 mph into Maryland.
You can view pictures as they become available of the 2008 event and there are hundreds of photos from last year's event. We will also add new videos to the large collection we have from last years event at Cycling4Children.com. We are already looking forward to the 2009 Equal Parenting Bike Trek.
Would you pedal 758 miles in support of parental rights? I would love to hear from you so I can pass this along to the cyclists.
Comments
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Equal parenting bike trek
Kudos Robert, Brian, Bill and Robb on your efforts to continue to bring attention to the inequities in the family court system. Has there been any though on putting together a nationwide ride from various points of the nation where riders can converge on the Washington in numbers that would be hard to ignore? Maybe as part of a larger rally? Just kind of thinking out loud.
Keep up the good work
Bob
Michigan cyclists head to parental rights event in D.C.
I am remarried as is my wife. I have three children my wife did not have any. for the past 5 years my wife has been the primary care taker of my children as I am an over the road truck driver.
While I made attempts to have the birth mother play a role in the children's lives she refused to acknowledge them. Only sending an occasional birthday card and signing it with her "legal" name (not "mom" like most people would expect a mother to do)
My children look toward their step-mother as "Mom" and have a stronger bond with her than I have seen with most biological parents and their children.
About disagreements in dealing with the kids, the only children we seem to have any disagreements with are the four legged furry ones (our German Shepards).
the wheels on the bikes go round and round...
Congratulations on a job well done! If we must do this next year (hopefully it won't be necessary) let's have streaming video. You can use my website. thank you for your efforts. teri http://www.sharedparentingworks.org
Equal Parenting Bike Trek 2008
The four Michigan Equal Parenting Bike Trek riders arrived in Washington DC. It is a great feat for these riders to do to draw attention to the need for Equal Parenting. We have allowed the forces of Planned Parenthood and several other organizations to let the single parent household become the future of the American society. In the mean time we have allowed the decline of social mortality to the point that young woman are planning to get pregnant during high school.
This does not mean that the young mother will graduate or attend college but will usually become enrolled in the public welfare system. The cost to Michigan taxpayers for the 2004 year was $302 million. The risk of a child dying from a young parent is greater than a mature adult. The first year of a child is the greatest for death. In 2004, there were 984 infant deaths. Nationally the cost of Child abuse and Neglect is $103 billion a year. We need to restore some type of family unit and the future is shared parenting. If the marriage and divorce rates are not almost the same, marriage would be the solution.
. Not having fathers has reduced in the African American community to role model of a father who makes sure his son graduates from high school and college. The example is Dennis Archer, whose father had only a third grade education but made a point that his son would attend college. The Detroit high schools are graduating only 20% of the ninth grade African American males. Somehow, other organizations have made it their business to destroy the chance for the African American community and others to have the benefit of two parents involved in the upbringing of Michigan children. Passing Michigan legislation like House Bill 4564 and House Joint Resolution NN will start a change for the better.
Michigan cyclists head to parental rights event in D.C.
Robert,
I'm so sorry that I missed the opportunity to offer my support to the team as they traveled through Ohio!
I commend all of you for making such a selfless sacrifice so as to draw attention to a very worthy cause.
Children nationwide will one day reap the joyous reward of having two fit parents thanks to your incredible efforts.
Keep up the wonderful work on behalf of our children!
Tony Fantetti Ohio Council for Fathers Rights Cincinnati OH
Michigan cyclists head to parental rights event in D.C.
Hooray for Robert Pedersen and the other cyclists who are bicycling to Washington, D.C. to spread awareness of equal parenting rights. Not only are they pedaling more than 758 miles, they are pedaling an important message: Children Need Both Parents!
Thanks Don - Although I sat this year out because of my own personal case and other reasons not worth mentioning. 2009 is the year!Robert Pedersen
Bike trip
You are doing a wonderful thing. I hope all is well and you have a safe trip.
Triumph in DC
Mr Pedersen:
In the spirit of our founding fathers we greet the Bike Trekkers!
We shall be present this weekend in support of parents and all other civil rights grievances!
Thank you for kepping us abreast!
DC Awaiting!
Mr Pedersen:
Here in DC, we have long awaited the arrival of the Bike Trekkers! It appears they're soon coming! Thank you for keeping us abreast on your blog!
Our DC contingent will en mass support this cause! See you in Upper Senate Park this weekend!
Equal Parenting Bike Trek
Grand effort Guys
Keep up the good work to get Kids BOTH Parents after separation
Equal parenting
It is about time that people are standing up to the Family Court system that is destroying the lives of thousands of families every day for a profit. Our children deserve better than to be stripped away because of patronage referrals and corrupt officials.
Twenty-First Century Civil Rights
Hey! Great Post Robert!
How timely that the Bike Trek and DC Festival come as we enter our election season! With the state congress in MI continuing to sit on their collective hands for six years running as parents introduce Bill after Bill to force state compliance with our US Constitution, our voices will be heard in DC.
This year's event draws from not only parental civil rights activists, but also, numerous other civil rights groups! Our venue is smack in the middle of our three federal branches as they too filibuster national legislation to force states' compliance with our Constitution!
I look forward to the collective fallout in November. Both Republicans and Democrats alike are not immune from exposure! I'll visit often as you keep us updated!
It's Time For More States to Join
I think it's time for other states to start thinking about having similar treks that meet up simultaneously in Washington D.C.
Bike Trek
I'm touched by the passion of these four men. They are pedaling their bikes 758 miles to highlight the love that many fathers have for their kids and the importance of dads maintaining a strong and significant role in their children's lives.
In today's day and age, when many parents abandon their children after divorce, dads showing this level of love and commitment should have a major role in their children's lives.
It's time for state policymakers to no longer look the other way when the judicial system institutionalizes gender bias and fatherless homes.
It's time to support equal parenting.
Equal Parenting Bike Trek 2008
the 2008 Equal Parenting Bike Trek has been a tremendous success.
the riders are now south-east of Gettysburg PA, and progressing toward the end of 8 days of riding to support equal parenting, and all 4 riders are still pedaling, not a single dropout among them.
the progress of the trek can be followed on a map link at epbt.org
While work duties and lack of finances prevented me from ulimately making the 800 mile trek this year, or physically participating in this years family festival, I look forward to once again providing technical and logistical support, if not following the riders in-person in 2009.
Robert - you did great and thanks for the GPS which added extra excitement to the event. 2009 will be THE year. Robert Pedersen
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