Imagine the long drive from New Orleans to Chicago, and then imagine the entire journey on a bicycle. Aaron Nazarian, business management freshman, is just counting the days until this becomes his reality. On nothing more than two wheels, Nazarian is embarking on the 1,280-mile bike ride from New Orleans to Chicago.

With scars still showing on his arm from his recent bike injury, Nazarian said that his training has slowed down a bit, but the preparation is still intense.

“I couldn’t really ride (while injured) but normally I try to get in at least 20 miles. But on a longer day I can get around 60,” Nazarian said.

Though intense, the preparation is more than necessary for the 11-day trip that will pass through Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky before finally reaching Chicago. Throughout the journey, the riders will trek into state parks and gaze upon some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The trip also includes making stops in some well-known state parks such as St. Francis National Park, Chicksaw National Wildlife Refuge, and Shawnee National Park.

“On the trip we’ll probably average about 60 miles, though if the trail is downhill we’ll get around 100,” Nazarian said.

Such long distances are certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but Nazarian is quick to note that he is still relatively new to the phenomenon, having only started long-distance riding last year. Being an avid mountain biker and having worked on a ranch in his hometown of El Paso, Texas, Nazarian has always been distinctly connected to nature, which is what sparked his interest in the “Ride for the Rainforest,” which raises money for the Rainforest Coalition. The organization seeks to conserve the rainforest through direct action, and the bike ride is one of its most popular and productive contributions.

“All the mountain biking I’ve done, I guess, has made me more connected to nature,” Nazarian said.

In order to participate in the ride, all riders must raise $1,000 for the organization. Not only are the riders environmentally conscious by raising the money, but the trip itself also serves as an example of being earth friendly.

“The whole thing is so green. We’re not even staying in hotels; we’re staying in national parks every day. We have a team car, but that’s the extent of our emissions,” Nazarian said.

Nazarian’s passion for riding, as well as his passion for the environment, makes the long trip completely worthwhile in his opinion.

“These rainforests have some of the biggest biodiversities in the world, and if we don’t save them who knows what we could lose,” Nazarian said. “There are possible medicines to be discovered, cures for diseases, all types of things we can’t even imagine yet.”

Nazarian starts the ride this May and though he is still training, he couldn’t be more ready.

“It’s just about surpassing what you think you can do – pushing yourself past your limits,” Nazarian said.

Cami Thomas can be reached at [email protected]