When you talk to people about bike tours, there’s a lot of conversation about what’s hard.
My friend Jim says riding a bike 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 the 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 and living and eating 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. Sometimes it feels like I’m in the way and maybe I should stay in the car.
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, but in fact I risk a great deal by sitting in the car when I could ride.
I risk diminishing my role on the team. I risk not being an integral part of the story. I risk withholding the very reason someone might have joined.
I risk sending the message that it’s okay to do what’s convenient, that following the dream isn’t worth the hassle.
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?