It is very helpful to know that people think of and pray for me. It
is hugely rewarding to know that I can help Acirfa literally, simply
and completely change lives. But even if no one ever knew about what I
am doing and if no one ever benefitted from it, the reward in the
activity itself is enough to make the trip profoundly worthwhile.
The return is absolutley amazing. On a basic level I am learning so
much about people, myself, the world, survival, commitment, pain,
strength, love, help, delegation, dependence, independence and more.
Don't think of these things as abstract concepts, but practical skills
and actual understandings. These things are important, but I feel that
they are secondary, in a way less valuable than another aspect of the
ride.
It is a difficult concept to express because it is abstract and
also because it is intimately personal. It does not come natirally for
me to share such things. Several weeks ago a phase flashed through my
mind: 'I'm forming a diamind in my soul.' We can all agree it's cheesy
and pretentious, but it really describes the feeling I have, and the
analogy works. To form a substance of such purity and value does
require intense conditions and pressure and it leaves behind something
that I will always carry with me, priceless and untarnishable. No
matter what happens in the remainder of my life, no matter what I do
or fail to do, this will be set in my center. It will always serve as
something beautiful I can see the world through, and it feels good to
know that it is there. There is more, much more that I could go on
about, about the ways this trip is rewarding, but I'll spare you all
for now.
On March 3rd, 2010 I arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina and ended my journey to the southernmost city in the world.
This ride is a reminder of what can be accomplished through perseverance and a little hard work. It’s a reminder of what we as people are capable of, of what the human mind, body and spirit can achieve. I hope that I can help people realize that while it may take time, and it may be harsh and lonely at times, we can make our lives how we dream them to be. I do not want to be guilty of owning a life devoid of any living. Comfort and convenience are not synonymous with happiness!
For some reason I am under the impression that I will find both myself and God somewhere along this road. Maybe I won’t find either, but I must look! I want to allow the light of introspection a pure and undiluted chance to examine my soul. I have found greater value in thoughts born in solitude than those that spring from the fray of ordinary life. I hope this trip will be the beginning to a life full of experience, beauty and understanding. I don’t ever want to forget the way the world felt when I was a child: magical and huge, full of possibility and hope. I won’t let go of that. I am an artist at heart, and this, I hope, will be my first great work.
For some reason I am under the impression that I will find both myself and God somewhere along this road. Maybe I won’t find either, but I must look! I want to allow the light of introspection a pure and undiluted chance to examine my soul. I have found greater value in thoughts born in solitude than those that spring from the fray of ordinary life. I hope this trip will be the beginning to a life full of experience, beauty and understanding. I don’t ever want to forget the way the world felt when I was a child: magical and huge, full of possibility and hope. I won’t let go of that. I am an artist at heart, and this, I hope, will be my first great work.
I am riding to raise awareness for 'Acirfa,’ a non-profit organization which provides quality bikes to the people of Zambia, giving them the means to help themselves, rather than depend on charity. A bicycle changes the life of a Zambian in ways that are difficult for Americans to imagine, allowing doctors to see more patients, parents to make a living and teachers to get to school.
To clear the air and clear your head, ride a bike once a week!
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