After 14 intense stages through the Alps, Pepijn Duijvestein reached Monaco, completing the Glorious Glacier Climate Ride. Over 1,600 kilometers and 31,000 meters of climbing later, Pepijn reflected on a journey that combined physical endurance with climate action. “I was rewarded with hours of climbing through breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of long descents,” Pepijn recalls. “But I asked myself: have I truly achieved my goal?”
Cycling Through a Climate Crisis
More than thirty cyclists participated, with four completing the full route from Munich to Monaco. They passed iconic glaciers that serve as silent witnesses to climate change. In just 25 years, the Alps have lost 40% of their ice volume. Locals shared concerns about shifting landscapes, disappearing ice, and the consequences for water supply and ecosystems. Pepijn: ““We can’t ignore the role we play. The glaciers sustain rivers, drinking water, and biodiversity. Losing them threatens all of us.”
The ride offered both a physical and mental test. Pepijn observed glaciers shrinking, landslides near Brienz, and contrasts between hyper-tourist areas and fragile alpine environments. “It feels like standing in a disaster zone,” he says. “Tourists enjoy the beautiful nature, but unfortunately often don’t give back. In fact, tourism adds to the very emissions threatening these glaciers.”
Raising Awareness and Removing Carbon
The Glorious Glacier Ride wasn’t just about the challenge; it was about action. Participants raised over €25,000, funding the removal of 170,000 kg of CO₂ through certified projects with Carboneers, myclimate, and ONCRA.
With his ride, Pepijn supports solutions (certified through ONCRA) that don’t only remove carbon, but also regenerate ecosystems, communities, and economies:
- Forests: LEUKER, restoring ecosystems and food systems.
- Minerals: Greensand, accelerating olivine weathering to capture carbon.
- Biobased Buildings: Finti, locking carbon in durable timber.
- Oceans: Oceanus International, sinking seaweed to store CO₂ and protect marine ecosystems.
Pepijn personally raised almost €2,500, equivalent to 25 tonnes of CO₂ removed. And you can still support him here (until the end of September).
Pedaling Towards a Regenerative Future
Pepijn draws a parallel between climbing and climate action: long descents follow tough climbs. Similarly, meaningful change requires effort, discussion, and investment. “Many people still don’t understand how carbon removal can be part of daily life or business practices,” he explains. “The need has never been greater.”
During the ride, participants were welcomed by 12 mayors and city officials and featured in multiple media outlets. The journey sparked conversations about how individuals and organizations can contribute to climate solutions.
What if the officials created a shared Ecosystem Contribution Fund? A way to ensure tourism sustains the very nature it depends on. For example by adding just €1 for nature per overnight stay in places like Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (one of the most iconic alpine destinations). Millions of stays could fund glacier and forest restoration, carbon removal, and biodiversity protection. A tiny step per visitor, a massive impact for the planet.
Support the Ride and Remove CO₂
Over 15 days, the ride burned roughly 4,000 calories per day. Its direct carbon footprint was only about 380 kg, less than a short return flight in Europe. Combined with carbon removal, the ride achieved a significant net positive impact.
Contributions for your carbon removal via the Glorious Glacier Ride remain open until the end of September, giving everyone a chance to support verified, impactful projects.💚
Support the ride and remove CO₂: click here.