The Decision to Ride

Every day I have a tiny flip-out thinking about what I've committed myself to doing.
Four thousand kilometres on a bicycle is no small task even for someone who is physically fit... and at current state, I am left of center on that premium.

"But this is more than a bike ride"

I agreed to become an "Agent of Change" with the Global Agents for Change Ride to Break the Cycle for a few reasons:
A) It would be a great chance to meet (and spend 8 epic weeks on the road with...) 27 other invigorating people my age who are genuinely concerned with the state of humanity and are interested in making a difference
B) By the time we depart Amsterdam on July 1st we will have collectively fundraised
$100,000 for our 100% youth-operated Microcredit Fund
C) I can't imagine a better way to travel through a foreign country and interact with local communities than physically peddling every step - feeling the bumps in the road and sleeping in community centres
D) and of course... my gluteus maximus could use some discipline after 22 years of free time...

A few facts about me

I don't think there is anything unique about me, in particular, that is making me commit to this challenge. I am currently a full time university student in the midst of an undergrad degree. I serve tables a few hours a week and make some pocket change, but not enough to create savings. And I have student loans. Some might say these are things that one would consider fallbacks in taking time off school, and from saving $ to go 'travelling'.
But, for these simple reasons, I believe this situation is unique. I am a full-time student and have the opportunity to integrate this experience into my degree, and use resources from the university to promote the Ride. I don't have a mortgage, or a cat. And... student loans should be spent on getting the education you want, not the one that's prescribed.

A Decision is Made

So, when the lovely Shawn Smith (president of GAFC) offered me a spot on the trip back in November 2008, I tossed around the dates and the numbers and the time and the energy and the absolute chaos of it all, and said yes.

Three months later, and here we are. Our team of 25 riders and 3 ride leaders is assembled. We have sorted into 3 organizational committees: Internal (what is our message?), External (how do we relate with the communities we meet?), and Logistics ( to minimize the amount of "wrong turns"). Fundraising is underway. I'm learning about bicycles (Who knew there was more to them than 2 tires and a set of handlebars??). And finally, I have gotten around to creating a blog.

Therefore, enjoy! support! comment! and contact me for ways to donate! (online donations can be directed to the link at the left of this blog)


thanks so much

gala