Busted!

That’s my poor bike frame – busted!

On Sunday, Becky and I were cruising along on a nice, smooth blacktop road when I heard a snap and came to a rather sudden stop. My bike frame snapped in 2 pieces, and we were stuck.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote, “I’m surrounded by a community of generous people who work hard to help me remain independent.”

Sunday was a great example. Becky made a few calls, and soon Ron and Phil showed up with vehicles and equipment to save the day.

First lesson: I’m grateful for friends who drop what they’re doing to help.

Not sure what happens from here. Obviously, no bike riding for me in the immediate future, which is disappointing. Still waiting for some calls to determine if the frame is repairable or DOA.

Either way, long-term, probably means a new bike, a big expense I hadn’t anticipated. And since these things aren’t stock items, waiting for custom building likely means losing the rest of the cycling season.

For a guy who battles chronic depression, I’ll confess this to be a difficult twist in the road for a number of reasons. For most folks, a damaged bike might not be such a big deal, but cycling is a big outlet for me, physically, emotionally, and maybe most of all spiritually.

Second lesson: Think long-term.

A bike is a thing that can be replaced. Jesus didn’t go anywhere. The kids at the Home of Hope still need our support.

Third lesson: It’s not about me.

I don’t share any of this to play “poor me.” I share it because stuff happens, to all of us, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by our disappointment. That happens to all of us, too.

Sharing it and traveling together makes the burden a bit lighter.

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