It’s winter right now. Snow. Cold. Ice. Ski racks and skating rinks. No one (in their right mind) rides a bike in that kind of weather unless they have to. And here we are, talking about cycling, asking people to invest in a dream that involves shorts and warm days and sunny skies and it’s […]
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Give Good Instructions
“I couldn’t do something like that!” When you talk to people about extended cycle tours, you hear that sort of thing a lot. It’s the kind of focused place where folks tend to argue for their limitations. But there are lots of situations in which people seem defeated before they begin. So many folks are absolutely […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat Will You Choose To See?
We invest a lot of energy in differences. Differences are an easy way to circle the wagons and close ranks. People like them don’t belong here. These pictures look pretty similar, at first. Wristbands, arms, hands together. You have to look closely to find the differences. That’s how it usually works. On the left, the […]
Continue readingMore TagIt’s More Than Fun
“Wow, this looks like fun!” It’s probably my favorite comment when people walk up to the FREEDOM TOUR table. They see the photos, the jerseys, the maps, and the whole thing looks like a big, crazy adventure. Who wouldn’t want to be part of the smiles, the sunshine, the friendships and the sense of accomplishment that […]
Continue readingMore TagFailure Isn’t Optional
I know I’ll fail. Don’t know when, where, or in which direction, but at some point I’ll mess it up. That’s a given. No one likes to fail. I’d like to be the guy who always makes the right choice, always sees the big picture, always looks ten steps ahead. Sadly, I’m not. You probably aren’t, either. Failure […]
Continue readingMore TagAt The Center
What do you want at the center? I confronted that question during the last few days in a totally unexpected set of circumstances. Had to answer What really matters? as I concurrently smile and tremble in fear. Took the first step on a journey with no clue about what the path looks like. And I’m supposed to be […]
Continue readingMore TagReversing The Question
What’s the heart of service? Helping those in need? Doing good? Supporting worthy causes? “I imagine that the first question the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I […]
Continue readingMore TagOld Wineskins (And Ideas)
I love new ideas. I can’t imagine anything better than building something brand-spanking-new composed of fresh, original notions. Built from scratch, all original ingredients, hand-designed from the ground up. Reflecting yesterday on lessons from MLK Day, I realized my ideal might not be the way things actually work. Of course we need new ideas, new relationships, new […]
Continue readingMore TagVillains And Victims And Heroes, Oh My!
What’s your role in the story? The villain harms someone, but it’s never his fault. He refuses to take responsibility, so he re-casts himself as a victim. We’re asked to feel sorry for this villain-turned-victim. Most of us would have a difficult time casting ourselves in the traditional, idealized role of hero. But in a […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Demanding Altar Of Right Now
Training happens slowly. You can’t rush the process of preparing for a marathon, a long-distance bike ride, performing surgery, playing a symphony. Training requires time and sacrifice. You can’t “cram.” We all knew friends (not us, of course!) who waited until the day before the test to study. The all-nighter, ten cups of coffee, and perhaps […]
Continue readingMore TagWhy Resistance Isn’t Always The Answer
Lots of conversation these days about resistance. Makes sense, I suppose, to fight something you oppose. But be careful. You tend to steer where you look. Focus on the thing you hate, and you end up immersed in a whole lot of hate. Focus on what you love, what you’re willing to fight for, and you […]
Continue readingMore TagWho’s Gonna Win In 2017?
Suppose Bob and I enter a race, winner gets $50. Bob wins a tough contest and collects his money. The race director approaches and shakes hands with both of us. “Great race! You guys put on a great show.” Then he hands me a $50 bill. Bob’s angry, grumbles under his breath about how this “everybody gets a trophy” […]
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