After four days of riding through one province and two states, CHRI cyclists finally arrived in New York City on September 22. The team rode their bikes down 47th St. and when they reached 2nd Ave., they were taken aback by the loud applause that welcomed them to the city.

CHRI crew and cyclists in NYC

There was a large crowd in the hundreds gathered for a rally organized by Where is My Vote? The audience turned their attention from the set platform and watched the cyclists as they rode in to join the rally. The crowd started to clap and chant loudly: “bacheha mochakerim!” (Thank you guys!).
CHRI cyclists weren’t anticipating what happened next:  several reporters and photographers rushed toward them to get statements about their journey from Toronto to New York. It’s not hard to understand why the media at the event at 47th St. and 2nd Ave. would want to interview the cyclists who just travelled 800 kilometres to attend the UN rally scheduled for the next day.

CHRI with Amir and Hassan, going off course from their cross USA bike tour to join everyone in NYC.

Day 5, September 23:

After CHRI’s scheduled community bike ride in Central Park, the team joined the event organizers Where is My Vote? in a large march to the UN. The crowd reception, like the day before, was warm and encouraging. Two founding members of CHRI, Pouya Alagheband and Binesh Hassanpour jumped on the stage and read the letter of appeal that CHRI members worked carefully to write. Then, Pouya shared a personal story from their cycling journey with the crowd:

Two days ago in Pennsylvania as we were riding up a steep hill, we started to get very tired. To motivate us to go forward, we thought of the people of Iran and the struggles and pain they endure everyday. We chanted to ourselves, “Mardome Iran, zendane Evin. Boro jolo, paa bezan.” (People of Iran. Evin Prison. Go forward, peddle).

Pouya got the crowd to join in and repeat the chant. After the third time, everyone was chanting it loud and strong. The participation was a great energy boost for all of the cyclists who have not stopped going since their start date Saturday September 19, 2009.

The main rally outside of the United Nations building was more intense. Thousands of supporters of human rights in Iran walked together in solidarity before joining in a beautiful demonstration led by Where is My Vote? The tireless efforts of the organizers was recognized by the crowd. People stood for hours as the program went on.

The crowd at 47th and 2d

CHRI and renowned musician Keyhan Kalhor

Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmadinejad waited for his turn to speak at the UN General Assembly meeting. When it was his turn to finally speak, majority of the representatives at the UN walked out.

Pouya reads parts of the CHRI addressing UN General Assembly:

The day was a great success. Everyone helped spread the word; even back in Toronto and many parts of Europe. Media coverage was extensive. The energy outside the UN headquarters was undeniable.

Pictures from days  3, 4 and 5: