I can see no reason why doing this trip would place me in some sort
of privileged position from which to offer advice, but I do want to
share some simple things I have learned so far about travel, people
and home.
Travel, but in general do not travel alone. Experience that is not
shared loses value, but be sure to take time on your own to go and do
what you want to do, and give those you're traveling with room for
independence. Go where the guidebooks recommend unless you're looking
for an outdoor adventure, in which case go crazy and get way off the
beaten path. Only use bicycles for traveling short distances, and
preferably only downhill. In finding and creating home, find what is
good and of quality and treasure it. Whether it's a small item of
comfort, a beautiful place, a person, a painting or a song, realize
that quality is very very rare and incredibly valuable. Value beauty
and quality. Learn to recognize it. Find it. Create it. Protect and
share it. Always be in the process of becoming the person you want to
be. Never be scared but always be careful. Always assume that people
want to do good but never doubt their capacity to do bad.
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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