SEA to SEA
Bicycling Together To Leave Hunger Behind

This year I have had the opportunity to travel with several people to Africa. They had never been there before. The questions never seemed to end. I wondered if there was a little fear...of the unknown, of how they should respond to a different culture, being a minority. That cross cultural adventure, I embrace, relish, and wish everyone to experience.

We are counting the days before departure on Sea to Sea in two weeks. The reality of all the planning, discussion, volunteer hours, the enormity of the distances, the time, the physical stamina suddenly strikes a shiver down my spine. I almost break into a cold sweat. Reading the blog entries of those who have participated in bicycle races, who are young, who have been dilegently training leaves me with moments of panic. What in the world was I thinking when I signed up for this? Perhaps I should just pay money, actually save money and give to the cause?

I fear failure, exhaustion, and embarrassment. I fear making a mistake, making a turn into traffic, hurting someone. I fear all the strangers who come from so many places to participate in this event. I fear all those knowledgeable people who can tell you the difference between a Brooks B17 or Brooks Pro or a Swift model saddle. And then there are the tires: Continental or a specialized Armadillo, the types of locks, or the kinds of pedals, bicycle technology I neither know nor have a desire to learn. I fear getting dehydrated, not carrying enough water, of having painful leg cramps at night. I don't fear climbing the mountain passes but I fear the steep downward descent. I don't fear sleeping on the ground, the heat, the cold, insects, or bicycling in the rain. I do fear the daily, persistent ride, with only a Sunday break. Will I be able to hold up?

I feared for my friends who accompanied me to Northern Nigeria. There was no running water, no electricity, no air conditioning and it was hot! They not only survived but said the experience was life changing for them. It is the experience of putting all I have into a purpose that is far greater than satisfying my indulgences to which I strive and for which I covet your prayers and support.
Lou