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Ride for Clean Energy

Date

Aug. 6, 2016

Event Information

The Ride For Clean Energy is an annual charity bike ride that raises money to benefit the Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation – a non-profit organization that awards a yearly $10,000 scholarship to a chosen PhD/graduate student researching in the field of renewable and sustainable energy. Each rider participating in the ride must raise a minimum of $250, all of which will be donated to the foundation. The cost to register for the ride is $50, which goes towards a jersey for first time riders, or a cap for returning riders, food/beverages, insurance, and rider support.

The ride is an important event for the Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation, as it helps ensure the foundation will be

able to continue awarding yearly scholarships to innovative clean energy researchers. However, not only is the ride important for helping further sustainable energy research, it’s a fun way to enjoy the environment  that the foundation is fighting to preserve. So we encourage riders of all skill level to sign up and be a part of a growing community of people who care about the future of our planet.

The Ride

The ride is a 71km cycle through a wide variety of natural British Columbia landscapes. The ride begins in Harrison Mills and winds through valleys, across rivers and dams, up mountains, and through the forest, showcasing the beautiful and expansive environment the Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation and Ride For Clean Energy is fighting to preserve.

With an elevation gain of approximately 250m, the terrain of the ride may only seem appropriate for experienced riders. However, we have planned and designed the ride so that riders of all ability are welcome and encouraged to participate in the ride. We have designated pit stops every 15km or so, giving everyone a chance to grab some food, water, and rest as needed. If you feel that you may not be able to complete the full 71km ride, we have a shorter course, where riders can start and end the ride with the rest of the group.

The ride also has support vehicles leading and tailing the riders to ensure safety for all riders amongst the local traffic.

The Foundation

The Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation was created in 2013 after the sudden passing of Tyler Lewis, a PhD candidate in the field of sustainable energy at the University of British Columbia. Along with being an avid outdoors-man, Tyler was an advocate for sustainable energy research and environmental preservation. Tyler had a personal commitment to conserve and sustain the natural state of our environment. He lived this philosophy daily in his activities and academic research.

The Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation has been established by his parents, in loving memory of Tyler G. P. Lewis, to fund alternative energy and applied sustainability research initiatives. Tyler grew up in rural British Columbia and was taught the importance of environmental awareness from a young age. Tyler recognized the world’s impending energy crisis and had a strong “desire to leave this planet in a better position for future generations”. Tyler believed that as an engineer, “it is our duty to address global issues, such as climate change, in a manner that is environmentally and socially sound.” – Tyler G. P. Lewis

To honor Tyler and acknowledge the value of his personal commitment to conserve and sustain the natural state of our environment a financial grant will be awarded annually to an innovative project in the clean energy research field.

The Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation, [TLCERF], was established in January of 2013. Charitable Gifts Funds Canada [CGFC] is the custodial foundation that holds all TLCERF funds in trust. CGFC also assures compliance and all required financial filings with the Canada Revenue Agency. Royal Bank of Canada Dominion Securities is the financial institution responsible for the investment portfolio. Through the generosity of our financial advisor, Dr. Patrick O’Brien, who is donating his RBCDS commissions back to the foundation, the volunteerism of the TLCERF board and advisors and the low CGFC management fees, approximately 98% of all donated moneys are available to the TLCERF for support of the annual grants.

The Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation accepted applications for its inaugural research Grant of $10,000.00 in the summer of 2014. The Foundation Board and Advisors were exceedingly impressed by the depth of academic and personal attributes demonstrated in the many applications received. After much consultation and review by the Grant Advisory Committee and the Foundation Board, we are pleased to announce Arthur Montazeri as the first recipient of the Tyler Lewis Clean Energy Research Foundation Grant to be awarded November 2014.

Arthur received both his B.Eng. in Engineering Physics and Master of Applied Science at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. He enrolled in 2011 as a PhD Candidate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto. During his young academic career, Arthur has authored numerous scientific articles and has provisional patents on two devices.

For more information about the foundation, please visit WWW.TYLERLEWIS.CA

The Ride For Clean Energy is proudly sponsored by Dr. Patrick O’Brien at RBC Dominion Securities and Cap’s Westwood Cycle. The Ride would not be possible without their generous donations and help.