Proulx is a global traveller and former Ironman triathlete who has travelled extensively and backpacked all seven continents. His epic journey began in May in Boston, and he plans to pedal across the US to join up with Brita Climate Ride, which begins in New York City on September 26, 2009. He is currently riding through the Washington, D.C. area on his way to Charlottesville, Virginia.

"I decided to take my bike out for a spin, and that was three months ago," said Michael Proulx.

"But seriously, when I heard about Brita Climate Ride, I knew I wanted to help with their grassroots effort, and I thought what better way to spread the word than doing it on bike, one mile at a time. When I pitched this 5,005-mile ride to the Climate Ride organisation, they made me the outreach coordinator and off I went. It’s been an amazing journey so far," he added.

Mr Proulx’s ride has taken him from Boston to New York City, through New Jersey, and into Washington, D.C., where he is currently preparing for the next stage of his outreach trip, which will take him to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Then, he’ll travel to California to begin an 8-week sojourn across the US, eventually joining nearly 200 cyclists at the start of Brita Climate Ride in Manhattan in September.

Of his latest adventure, Mr Proulx said, "With four bags on my bike, I get plenty of strange looks, double-takes and random comments, but hopefully my ride will spread the message that climate change is happening and that you can do something about it by participating in the Climate Ride."