On another forum I started the Virtual Bike Club-a marathon ride in January for members of the forum worldwide (it's a lap band forum so no one else here is probably a member). No, I didn't want to tell you all this so I could say nah nah, you can't play, you aren't fat...or whatever.
What I wanted to do was challenge everyone here to reach out in some way today. For me, biking is such a feel good, kumbahya thing, that I even offered to send a Target bike to the first person on the forum who wanted to ride but didn't have one. I am also meeting with a local bike shop to set something up for people on the Southside of OKC, we have trails that no one uses because all the clubs in the area are elitist-not everyone can ride 50 miles or afford $3000 bikes. The owner is a "native" southsider who wants to improve his business and his community. I just want to get a new group of folks to ride with.
For our first ride, I offered to do graphics for 10, 20, 50 and 100 miles (in a month) rides-they can toss them, print up their own t-shirts, whatever. I just wanted the chubby masses to feel like it was a real bike ride, and maybe, just maybe, they'll sign up for the real thing in the spring (I know I will....).
I'm not suggesting we all start virtual bike clubs. I am suggesting we all figure out something we really enjoy and find a way to share that with a group of people. And, in keeping with the brave thing motto, make it be people you don't already KNOW..........
I set the ride to begin January 1st to give people time to get their bikes out of the garage, etc. Post back here if you decide to share something with a group of people and let us know what you did. Remember-sharing doesn't have to mean giving-it doesn't have to cost a thing.
4 comments:
okay, what do you think about my idea.....in january when i'm back at school, i will start a scarf/baby blanket and ask anyone/everyone to come and knit a row or two or three etc. when it's done i will send it to a worthy cause. is this the sort of idea?
That is perfect. The lady that ended up with my bike gift wanted to pay me back in March, but I said that it would be better if she bought a bike for someone else who wanted to ride.
I think of her, three months from now, stronger and smaller (she's a lap band patient) reaching out to someone else who is just starting out, and I feel stronger too.
The Blogosphere is the only place I've shared this (the gift part) because I don't want it tainted by what ifs and negativity. I thought about it a long time (what ifs) and the act for me (my part) was the initial act. What happens later is not my doing-or my worry. So I received the immediate gift from the universe of another life lesson in letting go-which is something I so desperately need right now.
I think I'd like to get into the habit of "secrect acts of rebellion and kindness..."
I am not getting my bike out in January. It's to cold to even breathe. Maybe in May though. BTW i wasn't done shopping yet apparently, so...
You are a very special person. I've been asking for a pony for 47 years (maybe 48, I probably wanted one in the womb). FINALLY someone heard!
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