The China Charity Challenge is a bicycle rally from Lijiang to Chengdu with proceeds going to Roots & Shoots. How did you set this up and why Sichuan and Yunnan? First, Roots & Shoots has a new office in Chengdu, and is reaching out to southern Sichuan and northern Yunnan. These areas are very fragile in terms of biodiversity and development. Just look at Lugu Lake. Five years ago you wouldn’t see the strip of hostels you do today. Measures like putting in a sewage system are optional. R&S starts with students and teaches them to start and run their own projects in their community. If these students understand what it takes to protect the environment, they will eventually grow up to be environmentally-conscious leaders.

You did a reconnaissance ride of the route last year. Will people be able to handle it? It’s definitely a challenge. The whole route is 330km and the ride is eight days with some days of cycling for six or seven hours. Moderate to difficult is how I would describe it.

You’ve described this ride as a new way to travel and give to communities. Can you explain that? This is really a new approach to philanthropy. On one hand, it’s people wanting to live life large, to go out, travel and explore. But at the same time, they’re not taking advantage of the places they’re seeing or giving back. Our goal is really to look at how to give a direct positive impact to the community and to connect to issues.

What: China Charity Challenge When: Early registration ends May 31 Web: www.chinacharitychallenge.org