Ride Bikes, Save Earth
Moab's Escape Adventures Raises the Sustainability Bar

By the prevailing standard of modern Las Vegas, Heather and Jared Fisher are the unassuming exception. Co-owners of Las Vegas Cyclery, Moab Cyclery and Escape Adventures- a 17-year old mountain bike touring and trekking outfit- the Fishers have made a nice living out of packaging low-impact outdoor pursuits.

But low-impact wasn't good enough. So last year the quietly devout thirtysomething couple endeavored to become America's first carbon-neutral active-travel outfitter. The Fishers invested more than $100,000 in solar-electric generating systems; now, large photovoltaic arrays crown their Las Vegas warehouse and Moab retail shop.

The Fishers second act was even more ambitious. They spent $140,000 converting their work and support vehicles info a vegetable oil burning fleet.

"I've never felt better about a return on investment," Jared says.

At the same time, Heather has become something of a guardian angel for the Reed Rock park at Las Vegas' northwest edge.

"Red Rock Canyon is the best place to ride in southern Nevada, and its being encroached upon by what has been labeled as the second most unfriendly city for bicyclists in the nation," Heather says.

Heather's Save Red Rock non-profit organization successfully restricted commercial traffic through the 197,000 acre wilderness and has added a 8-foot wide bike lane running the length of Rock Canyon scenic byway.

"With enough faith, ambition and determination, nothing is impossible," Heather says.

A moment later Jared fires up one of the veggie-burning vans.

"I'm guiding 40 Israeli cyclists across Death Valley," he says.

The subtext is powerful. A conscientious trailblazer leading 40 children of Abraham across the desert, leaving no carbon footprint. Amen.

- Michael DiGregorio