My friend Paul and I talked a while back about the benefits of a bike adventure combined with a social justice mission. We shared stories of riders who exceeded everyone’s expectations because they were riding for something bigger than themselves. We both wish everyone could have that sort of experience. Sometimes I struggle to understand […]
Continue readingMore TagAuthor: Rich
Who’s In Charge?
Someone asked me that a while back…”Who’s in charge of the FREEDOM TOUR?” I asked what he meant. “Well, who does it belong to? You know…who’s actually responsible for it?” We chatted a bit and I realized that he was trying to understand if the tour was a program or ministry of some church or […]
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I Don’t Know (And That’s A Good Thing)
As a new teacher, the scariest thing in the world was a question I couldn’t answer. I figured the students were looking for any cracks in the armor, and not-knowing seemed like the ultimate weakness. So I manipulated and managed my classroom to make sure I looked like the expert. Controlling every detail required an […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Next Big Event (Will Change Everything!)
How much time do you and I spend anticipating The Next Big Event? You know, that tipping point when everything will change, all the effort will pay off, we’ll finally be happy. The new job, degree, relationship, or vacation. Graduation. Retirement. The Next Big Event will make it all better, if we can just hold […]
Continue readingMore TagWhen It Might Be Time To Stop Praying
According to the author of Ecclesiastes (and Pete Seeger), “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Everything? I ask because an email from my friend Kari suggested it might be time to stop praying. She got my attention. Kari hasn’t lost her faith or her desire […]
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Why People Come Back
A friend asked me why she should join the FREEDOM TOUR team. I’ve listed the benefits before: Be part of a story bigger than yourself. Support kids rescued from human trafficking. Step out of your comfort zone. Stand for justice. Challenge yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Get closer to God. Have fun. As I made my […]
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It’s All About The Hub
I love good metaphors. I especially appreciate metaphors that involve circles. Make the circle a bike wheel and you’ve got the perfect metaphor for a blog about cycling. Our friends at Venture Expeditions created a terrific story involving the parts of a bicycle wheel. Here’s my interpretation. Consider how the parts of the wheel work […]
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It’s Not Always About Easy
Anniversaries offer opportunities to look back and project forward. My first handcycle ride happened eighteen years ago this month. Two blocks in 30 minutes…let’s just say it wasn’t the smashing success I imagined. If you’re interested you can catch the story of Exordio Somnii and The First Ride from previous posts. Here’s Tom and me […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Art Of Natural (And Controlled) Light
The article said photographers use either Controlled Light or Natural Light. Controlled Light attempts to make conditions reliable, predictable, identical. Controlled Light allows replication. Natural Light is, well, natural. It’s what’s there, never quite the same, so the conditions become part of the creation. Each one’s unique. Both take art, tools, and skill. One is up-front, […]
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Every Story Needs A Hero?
At the FREEDOM TOUR we’re motivated by God’s demand for justice. Our Motivation Statement,We cycle to bring hope and freedom to kids rescued from human trafficking, was inspired by these lines from Micah. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah […]
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Go. Set. Ready.
Wait, what? Go. Set. Ready. ?? The email arrived from my friend Kari. I figured it was a typo. Ever watched a track meet? First command from the starter is always something like Ready or Take your mark. It’s a warning, an indication to prepare because the event is about to begin. When everyone’s in […]
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Why The Answers Might Be Different
“Do you ever wonder why God didn’t answer your prayers?” It’s the time of year when we’re telling people about the FREEDOM TOUR. Often folks will ask how it got started, which leads to telling some version of the story of my injury. Stories connect us in powerful ways. That particular story often winds its […]
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