Riding for chocolate...

I used to say, "I ride to eat." And to a certain extent that's still true.
When I began riding my bike I rode to collect the Weight Watcher's activity points, so I could eat the extra calories generated from the exercise...I wanted to ride so I could eat chocolate and still lose weight.

I lost the weight. I still ride...but now I ride for other reasons.
Sure, it keeps me healthy, it elevates my mood...and, it allows me to have chocolate croissants for Sunday morning breakfast.

But now, I'm riding to love it and, now I ride to "spend myself" for others.

Last year, I decided I might be able to do something a little extreme in the name of love for the ride and others..I wasn't going to take it on half-time so took it on big time. It was big for me...afterall, I'm 42 and I feel the pain of most things that tax my muscles. I took on the challenge to ride one stage of a cross-continent tour across North America.

The tour, with over 200 riders, will raise over $2 million to help the poorest of the poor. It will raise awareness for those who need help more than I could ever imagine. It will get my butt off the couch for something bigger than me and I will spend myself on behalf of the poor.

What I didn't know was that it would cost me. I knew it would cost more than money tied up in bike equipment, in time caught up in training rides and in pain from injury. It will cost me more mental, psychological and spirtitual effort than I am sure I might've originally imagined.

Ride with me...My journey begins August 4 near Omaha, Nebraska and ends 950 miles and 12 days later in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come check out the journey...www.seatosea.org

Jill Feikema