Every year since 1992, a team of intrepid tree-loving cyclists has gathered for Tour des Trees, a week-long trek to raise money for the TREE Fund, which supports research and education to help keep urban trees beautiful and healthy.

"The first tour started with 13 people," says Mary DiCarlo, fund development specialist for the TREE Fund. "They were as passionate about trees as they were about biking." That first event was a 1,000-mile journey from Seattle to Oakland, Calif., that raised $89,000.