On The Road Again

Okay—cue Willie Nelson:

On the road again –
Just can’t wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can’t wait to get on the road again.

On the road again –
Goin’ places that I’ve never been.
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again. 

That’s right. RICH’S RIDE is getting back on the road again. Here’s what we know so far.

Aaron Smith of Venture Cycling has invited me to join a team for a 500-mile ride from Cincinnati to Washington, DC.  The ride is sponsored by and raises awareness for International Justice Mission (IJM), which works to combat and raise awareness about slavery and sexual exploitation. Project dates are July 12-23, 2012, which included some days for training and speaking and six actual riding days.

This invitation is a direct connection to last year’s Mississippi River Ride. I met Aaron and learned about Venture Cycling when we spoke in Minneapolis. We promised to stay connected and try to work together at some point, and here it is.

I’d like to do more with the weeks surrounding this trip. More about that later.

For now, I’m excited about this new opportunity. I’ll also confess, just between you and me, that this route is pretty intimidating. While it’s quite a bit shorter than last year’s edition, there’s A LOT of climbing involved. I considered backing out when I saw the elevation profile, but I thought about all the stuff I’ve been writing lately about big dreams and big challenges. I truly believe that great obstacles provide great opportunity and that God provides the ability to face my biggest fears.

So I’m preparing, training, and trusting.

I can’t wait to get on the road again.

Please leave a comment here.
# # # # #