ELY—Dave and Amy Freeman of Ely officially launched their Pedal to the Polls adventure on Tuesday, a six-week, 1,200-mile canoeing and cycling expedition across Minnesota. The initiative, coordinated with the Boundary Waters Action Fund, aims to support “Boundary Waters Champions”—political candidates pledged to protect the watershed from sulfide-based copper mining.
At the launch party in Ely’s Puddle Jumper Park on Chapman Street, supporters signed the beautiful red translucent carbon and Innegra canoe donated to the cause by Northstar Canoes.
Starting in Ely, the couple will first head south to Two Harbors, followed by visits to Duluth, Cloquet, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, Moorhead, Mankato, Rochester, Winona, and the Twin Cities, before concluding in Stillwater on Nov. 1. The pair is using Surly bikes donated in 2018 for their ride to Washington D.C. Dave is responsible for towing the canoe, while Amy carries the gear.
The mission highlights candidates listed on boundarywatersaction.org who have signed a pledge to protect the Rainy River headwaters, which is integral to the water quality within the BWCAW. The Boundary Waters Action Fund has organized presentations and food gatherings, along with door knocking alongside local candidates in their respective districts.
The Freeman’s trip will emphasize the importance of the upcoming election and encourage voters to prioritize environmental protection at the ballot box.
Dave and Amy agree: “We just want to really emphasize the importance of this election and encourage people to educate themselves about the candidates and at the same time think about Boundary Waters protection when they’re going to vote. And, most importantly, just get out and vote.”