Ride for The Panchen Lama

Riders are traveling from China's embassy in Washington D.C,
to the United Nations in New York City, from April 20 to 25, 2005.

DAY 6 MONDAY: As planned, the riders arrived at their destination, the United Nations. They took part in a spirited demonstration coordinated by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress- New York and New Jersey, Tibetan Women's Association, Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey, and Students for a Free Tibet. About 100 people were in attendance. Along with speeches by the leaders of the organizations just mentioned, Jigme Norbu spoke about the importance of regaining Tibet's independence and freeing The Panchen Lama and Professor Robert Thurman spoke on similar themes. All the riders were thanked and given a khata. Jigme Norbu and Rinpo Tenzin went in to the U.N. and handed over a letter to be delivered to Secretary General Kofi Annan. In part, this letter asked Kofi Annan to do whatever he could to assist in publicizing the Tibet cause and to make every personal effort to ascertain the whereabouts of the young Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima. The letter also asked Kofi Annan to persuade the Chinese government to restore The Panchen Lama to His rightful place and position in Tibetan society. After this, the demonstrators marched to China's Embassy and held another spirited demonstration. In the evening, the riders were honored with a dinner at the Tibetan Kitchen sponsored by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress- New York and New Jersey, Tibetan Women's Association, and Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey.

DAY 5 SUNDAY: The riders covered over 75 miles today through the heart of New Jersey. Everyone road including the rider who got hurt the other day. Again, it was cold and damp, but this did not weaken the motivation of the riders to help free The Panchen Lama and reach their destination of the United Nations.

DAY 4 SATURDAY: Severe rain, wind, and cold air accompanied the riders today through the mountains of Pennsylvania. One of the riders lost control of his bike and was taken to a local hospital for help. The hospital treated him and released him suggesting he get some rest. Although bruised, this rider's spirit is still strong and he rejoined the group, but remained in the truck to rest. Again, the riders covered 60+ miles.

DAY 3 FRIDAY: Today, the riders were greeted by city county officials of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. After some remarks by these officials at City Hall, the riders continued their journey. The local media took pictures and did some interviews along the way. Again, the riders were fortunate to stay with a local resident. This time, the Planning Commissioner from Coastesville was kind enough to let them eat and sleep in his home. Thanks! Again, the riders biked 60+ miles.

DAY 2 THURSDAY: In the chilling rain, the riders once again covered slightly more then 60 miles. For a brief time, one of the riders was lost. Then, after finding him, the group was very happy to discover that he had befriended Bob and Anne Groff. This older couple opened up their home to the group and let them prepare dinner and stay for the night. Thanks so much Bob and Anne for your hospitality! The ride ended right near Bethesda, Pennsylvania.

DAY 1 WEDNESDAY: The "Ride for The Panchen Lama" began on April 20 with a rally in front of The PRC Embassy in Washington, DC. About 40 people were on hand including John Ackerly and Susan Mizrahi of the International Campaign for Tibet and representatives from the Capitol Area Tibetan Association who welcomed the 9 bike riders and thanked them for their commitment and effort on behalf of Tibet and The Panchen Lama. Seven Tibetans are riding including 4 from Minnesota, 2 from California, and 1 from Indiana. Two Westerners from New York are riding as well. Jigme Norbu spoke about his desire to carry out His father, Taktser Rinpoche's, lifelong effort to secure Tibet's independence and the significance of taking the same route that Rinpoche walked during the 1996 "March for Tibet's Independence" to the United Nations. Ackerly and many of the riders spoke about the importance and urgency of securing the immediate release of the 16 year old, missing Panchen Lama.

At about 12:30pm, the bikers began riding. Through the day, they were encouraged by the support they received from passing motorists and pedestrians. At 8:30pm, the grueling first day of the journey ended having completed 60 miles! Most of the riders were sore, but even more determined to advocate for the release of The Panchen Lama.