On April 10, Jon Stenning will begin a monumental five-day, 515-mile journey from North Scituate, Rhode Island to Washington, DC, in support of two causes that are close to his heart: the Transgender Law Center and the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). What started as a joke about wanting to flip off the Capitol Building has transformed into a passionate and purposeful ride that will raise funds for organizations working to protect the rights of transgender people and the preservation of America’s national parks.
This ride comes at a critical time, as the current administration has put the rights of transgender individuals and the conservation of national parks under attack. Stenning, the co-founder of Rhode Island’s It’s Just a Hill (IJAH) cycling group, is using his platform to take action and raise awareness. Founded in 2021, IJAH started as a simple cycling group designed to foster social connections, both on and off the bike. Over time, it has grown into a community of over 1,000 members on Strava, with an expanding social media presence through its podcast on Youtube (@ItsJustAHill) and Instagram account (@its_just_a_hill). Stenning has used this group to support issues he is passionate about and give voices to others. However, this bike ride represents what he feels is “the best reason [he’s] ever ridden a bike”.
Initially, Stenning had named his ride “Storm the Capital” as a lighthearted expression of his frustration with the political landscape. Yet, after discussions with friends and family, he realized that this ride could be a far more significant opportunity. Rather than simply venting his frustrations, Stenning decided to use his journey to bring about actual change. With the support of the community, he hopes to raise over $5,000 for the Transgender Law Center and the National Parks Conservation Association (www.pledge.to/pedal-for-progress-a-ride-to-dc-for-change). Through this challenge, he aims to highlight the importance of supporting marginalized communities, especially transgender people, and ensuring the future of the country’s natural resources and recreational spaces.
The Transgender Law Center, the largest trans-led organization in the US, works tirelessly to fight for the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. They prioritize marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), disabled, and HIV+ individuals, advocating for policies that allow them to live freely, safely, and authentically. Their work is essential, particularly in the face of ongoing attacks on transgender rights. While Stenning is someone who will make his opinions known, he’s not someone to “unfriend a person due to differing opinions — especially when it comes to IJAH. Because it is an all-inclusive cycling club, he draws a hard line at negative comments made about transgender people, saying, “It’s about valuing people equally.” Stenning feels that without the efforts of organizations like the Transgender Law Center, the rights of transgender people will continue to devolve.
Meanwhile, the NPCA advocates for the protection of America’s national parks. As Stenning learned on a trip to Acadia National Park in 2024, these natural spaces hold immense personal value, and their preservation is crucial for future generations. Stenning and his wife were so moved by their experience at Acadia that they made it a life goal to visit every national park in the United States. The NPCA’s work is vital in ensuring that these national treasures are safeguarded against political interference and environmental degradation.
Stenning’s ride will take him through both scenic and challenging terrain as he travels through the northeastern United States. From North Scituate, he will pedal his way along the Connecticut coastline before facing the tough roads of New York. He’ll then venture inland towards Philadelphia, following the path of the Delaware River, before heading south to Baltimore and finally making his way into Washington, DC. The ride will cover 480 miles with over 20,000 feet of elevation gain. Given the unpredictable weather in April, Stenning is prepared to face rain, wind, and fluctuating temperatures as he rides, with his only solace being the ability to rest each night in hotels along the route. This will allow him to recharge and keep his followers updated on his progress via Instagram, taking advantage of hotel Wi-Fi to share his experience with his growing online community.
Stenning is funding the entire journey himself, covering the costs of his accommodations and logistical needs. His goal is not just to complete the ride, but to engage his community in a cause greater than himself. He recognizes the power of his platform through IJAH and is determined to use it for good, making a positive impact on the causes he cares about. To help support the causes, text PEDAL4PROGRESS to 707070.
For Stenning, this ride is about much more than just the physical challenge. It’s about standing up for what he believes in, using his platform for good, and helping to raise much-needed funds for organizations that are working on the front lines to create positive change. As he pedals toward Washington, DC, Stenning hopes his journey will inspire others to take action in support of causes that matter. His ride is a testament to the power of community, the importance of speaking out, and the ability to make a difference, one pedal stroke at a time.
To follow Jon and help his mission:
Pledge.to link: https://www.pledge.to/pedal-for-progress-a-ride-to-dc-for-change
Text PEDAL4PROGRESS to 707070 to donate
IG: @its_just_a_hill – https://www.instagram.com/its_just_a_hill_
YouTube: @ItsJustAHill – https://www.youtube.com/@ItsJustAHill
WIP Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3311085808848854152
Artwork by author
