Moving mountains
For Cortez resident Shannon Hahn, reaching the summit on Mount Shasta isn’t the only goal of an upcoming trek to the 14,179-foot peak. It’s a way to get involved, make a difference and help in the fight against cancer.
Along with 27 other women, Hahn plans to conquer California’s fifth highest mountain for Climb Against the Odds, an expedition to support the Breast Cancer Fund. The event is a way for participants to put the spotlight on breast cancer awareness and prevention. The group is made up of survivors, supporters and sponsors, such as the North Face, which donated gear and is sending a climber.
It’s also a fund-raiser, putting money toward prevention, education and research.
Three of Hahn’s grandparents were touched by cancer, but that’s not her only motivation. “I’m climbing for anyone who’s been affected by it,” she said.
Hahn learned about the event through her employer Osprey Packs, which have been involved with the Climb Against the Odds for years.
After competing in her first Iron Horse Bicycle Classic this spring, Hahn said she feels ready for the challenges of the trip. “I’m feeling really confident and excited,” she said. Although she has surpassed the $6,000 fund-raising mark needed to participate, she is still hoping to reach her goal of $10,000. Currently, Hahn has raised just over $8,000.
For more information or to donate, visit www.prevention.breastcancerfund.org/goto/shannon.

Biking by the numbers
With Clean Commute Week starting this Saturday, here are a few numbers to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling during your daily commute, courtesy the folks at bikesbelong.org:
- 50 percent of trips Americans take are less than 3 miles; 40 percent are less than 2 miles; and 28 percent are less than 1 mile.
- Adults who bike to work have better weight, blood pressure and insulin levels.
- Women who bike 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
- Adolescents who bicycle are 48 percent less likely to be overweight as adults.
- More than three times as many new bicycles (14.9 million) are sold in the U.S. each year than cars (4.6 million).
- The average U.S. household spends $7,179/year to drive their cars.
- On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10.
- Traffic congestion wastes nearly 3.9 billion gallons of gas a year in the U.S.
- For every 1 mile pedaled, nearly 1 pound of CO² (0.88 lbs) is saved.