I have always gotten all sorts of reactions from people about my trip.
Some people don't understand, some are inspired, some people laugh
outright. I have gotten a sharp and serious 'Bullsh--' an Australian
'Goodonya!' and bland skepticism. People driving by often look at me
with an expression that very clearly says 'that looks like it really
sucks' while others look outright envious. Some people seem curious,
others simply excited to meet me, or roll down the window and take a
photo. All this variety in reaction virtually disappeared when I
arrived in Mexico. Now, without fail, when I tell someone where I am
going I receive 'The Mexican Grimace'.
The Mexican Grimace is a subtle cultural art form which is not
found in the US or Canada. It is performed in a flash by pulling your
lips back and down with a slightly open mouth. The eyes travel down to
the floor as the imagination runs a quick cycle through what a trip
like that might involve. It is an expression which conveys empathy,
pity, a pinch of shock and a heaping spoonfull of dislike for the
idea. It always makes me smile.
On March 3rd, 2010 I arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina and ended my journey to the southernmost city in the world.
This ride is a reminder of what can be accomplished through perseverance and a little hard work. It’s a reminder of what we as people are capable of, of what the human mind, body and spirit can achieve. I hope that I can help people realize that while it may take time, and it may be harsh and lonely at times, we can make our lives how we dream them to be. I do not want to be guilty of owning a life devoid of any living. Comfort and convenience are not synonymous with happiness!
For some reason I am under the impression that I will find both myself and God somewhere along this road. Maybe I won’t find either, but I must look! I want to allow the light of introspection a pure and undiluted chance to examine my soul. I have found greater value in thoughts born in solitude than those that spring from the fray of ordinary life. I hope this trip will be the beginning to a life full of experience, beauty and understanding. I don’t ever want to forget the way the world felt when I was a child: magical and huge, full of possibility and hope. I won’t let go of that. I am an artist at heart, and this, I hope, will be my first great work.
For some reason I am under the impression that I will find both myself and God somewhere along this road. Maybe I won’t find either, but I must look! I want to allow the light of introspection a pure and undiluted chance to examine my soul. I have found greater value in thoughts born in solitude than those that spring from the fray of ordinary life. I hope this trip will be the beginning to a life full of experience, beauty and understanding. I don’t ever want to forget the way the world felt when I was a child: magical and huge, full of possibility and hope. I won’t let go of that. I am an artist at heart, and this, I hope, will be my first great work.
I am riding to raise awareness for 'Acirfa,’ a non-profit organization which provides quality bikes to the people of Zambia, giving them the means to help themselves, rather than depend on charity. A bicycle changes the life of a Zambian in ways that are difficult for Americans to imagine, allowing doctors to see more patients, parents to make a living and teachers to get to school.
To clear the air and clear your head, ride a bike once a week!
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