Thursday, December 20, 2007

Birth of the Virtual Bike Club-Reach Out

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:

soulbrush said...

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?

Debra Kay said...

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..."

RED MOJO said...

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...

Debra Kay said...

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!