Since I returned from Africa and even before then, I have been searching for a non-profit with a mission that I could support. All the days, hours and dollars put into triathlon training feels futile and selfish unless it’s coupled with a greater mission besides me. To even consider an IM or IM 70.3 requires an personal tendency towards selfishness, sacrifice, insanity, and inner searching. At least that’s my truth and that of many of the athletes about whom I’ve read.
Maybe it reminds me of being an adolescent athlete OR how I fantasized about racing the Kona IM every October while watching it on tv OR that I want to see how far my mind & body will take me OR that I want to free myself of failures and faults by filling every mile with prayers for reconciliation, healing and redemption. Maybe it’s all of this and none of this.
Or maybe I do it because I have the ability and the opportunity and encouragement to do it….and I want to return that favor with a gift. The gift of a bicycle through their “work for a ride” type program (i.e. Trees-for-Bikes or Mobility = Education). Not a hand-out but a hand-up. Kids and adults must give back and earn their bike which ensure that they create a self-sustaining community and life.
Help me build opportunities by building bikes with World Bicycle Relief via the Ironman Foundation.
Remember: 1 bike = $134
Sponsor 1 bike and tell a friend to sponsor the next one. If cycling or triathlon has changed your life, help it change it someone else’s too.
Let’s build a fleet of bikes so everyone can get to school, work and home, through safe, reliable transportation. Check out their programs supporting education, health care, social enterprise, micro-finance, environment, field mechanic trainings, and disaster relief.
...Awakened Living... 