Ride for a Reason

In this day and age of "my rights" and "I deserve it" ideology, it is easy to focus on our own desires. That upgrade in the crank set, the latest Garmin, the next hammer fest are all fine and good things to have or do. But stop for a minute and think:  When is the last time you rode with purpose and for a reason other than your own desires?  Century season is almost upon us and that means charity rides are as well.

The MS 150 and the Tour de Cure are wonderful rides that come around each year with huge crowds and with big fundraising appeals. They each do a great work in their perspective areas of research on a national level. But have you stopped to consider doing a charity ride for a local cause? Perhaps there isn't one in your area: what's stopping you from gathering a group, finding a worthy charity and putting one on yourself? 

For a few years I worked for an internationally known charity. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life - knowing that I was making a difference on a daily basis that would help people (especially children) all over the world with a disorder that has no known cure. Although we have parted ways, my heart is still touched by seeing sick children. The other weekend a few cycling pals and I rode to a local camp for terminally and chronically ill children. I wanted to learn more about this camp and see first-hand what it was doing in my own back yard. 

Paul Newman and General  Norman Schwarzkopf founded CampBoggy Creek in Florida and since it opened in the middle 1990's over 55,000 children and family members have spent time during the summer at this fantastic facility. To learn more about the camp, click here. While it's great to know the background of a charity and how they use the money they raise, it's even better to have an inside view from one who has benefited from the work of the charity. Below is a snippet of a conversation I was fortunate enough to have with one of the campers.

During our amazing tour of Camp Boggy Creek last weekend, we were taken to see a cabin that was occupied by ‘tween-aged girls with various illnesses. Donned in our cycling gear, the kids thought we were Olympians since the theme of camp that week was Olympics. Too funny!  I stopped on the front porch of the cabin to talk with two young campers who were drawing. One girl was bald and a bit timid; the other had huge braided pigtails and was very outgoing. My heart was pulled to the quiet girl. This is my recollection of a short, 2 minute conversation that will stay in my heart for eternity:

The shy girl was about 11 years old with had no hair due to chemotherapy. She asked me if I knew Lance Armstrong. I said, "Not very well!" Unphased by my reply she went on to tell me how "...In his biography, he says that he had cancer..."  I could see fear in her eyes. She asked me if I knew if he could still ride his bike after cancer. I replied, "Oh girl, did he ever?!" then I proceeded to tell her about the Tour de France and how he WON it, how long it was and how incredibly difficult a race it was. Her eyes lit up and she said, "He DID?" and I said "YES! AFTER cancer!!!" I wish I had longer to spend with her that day but my heart will forever be touched by her search for peace and hope in that 2 minute conversation.

It's so easy to make a difference. You and I are going to ride. We are more than likely going to ride a good bit. Why not ride for a reason? Why not make an impact on someone else's life while you do what you so love to do? I challenge you to find a local charity from your town and get involved - on or off the bike. 

What are you waiting for?

Camp Boggy Creek Information

http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1020983  (a stirring video)
Tracy's Team Fundraising Page  for Camp Boggy Creek, September 8, 2012

photos from Google images