Amazing stuff happens along the road on a bike tour.
At lunch a guy says, “I wanted to ride a day with you for my seven-year-old daughter. I had to leave her with her grandfather while I get my life together.” His voice is shaking. “I’m scared for her, all this social media, I know she’s a target. I hope she’ll see me doing this and know I love her and want to keep her safe.”
On Denver trails riders always notice the odd juxtaposition of affluence and homelessness. What’s the response when you ride a bike that costs thousands through a corridor lined with condos worth hundreds of thousands past men and women with nothing to eat?
There’s no end to the beauty. Seems every turn reveals another splendid vista. Cycling forces us to slow down and be aware of what’s all around.
It’s all about the socks.
People become friends quickly in this sort of difficult environment.
A smile looks especially peaceful on the face of a cyclist who just completed 50 or 60 or 80 miles in the saddle for a purpose she believes in.. It’s not a grin, but a sure, certain smile of accomplishment.
There’s a special sort of joy in serving, working hard, and having fun at the same time.
A woman who was old a long time ago comes to hear our story, grabs her credit card, and says, “I need one of those pretty bike shirts. They go with my ear rings. I’m gonna retire my other bike shirt because this one will start a lot of conversations.”
Another lady is so moved by the story of the kids at the HOME OF HOPE that she pays for a $10 book with a $100 check.
A lot of cool stuff happens along the road on a bike tour. Oh, and we ride bikes, too.