It’s interesting to talk to people about what’s hard.
My friend Jim Haywood says riding a bike 500 miles for a worthy cause really isn’t a big deal. What’s hard for Jim is taking time away from his family.
Some folks look at our 500-mile route and decide it’s impossible. Others think they could do the cycling but are overwhelmed by the notion of fundraising. Some are challenged by the idea of joining and riding for a week with a team of strangers.
For me, it’s hard at times to be a disabled cyclist on a team of able-bodied riders.
What we all need to be clear about: there’s a big difference between what’s hard and what’s risky.
Things that are hard often give the appearance of risk. It might seem risky to be the only handcyclist on our team.
In fact, I risk a great deal by NOT riding, by sitting in the car. I risk diminishing my role on the team. I risk not offering others the gift of riding with me.
Things that are hard may seem risky. But skipping them, taking the easy path, may involve much more actual risk.
What are you risking by avoiding what’s hard?