Last weekend I cycled through the glorious hills of Killington, Vermont to raise money for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to participate in adaptive sports programs and activities. (www.vermontadaptive.org)
Admittedly, it was not an easy ride. The hills were steep and plentiful. The cracks in the road made NJ potholes seem innocuous. It was raining. The wind was in my face. I was freezing. And my legs were feeling sore already.
And then I met the people we were cycling for…. those who could not see, hear, talk, or pedal on their own. They were not, however, on the side of the road. They were on bikes participating in the ride!
- Some volunteer cyclists steered tandem bikes allowing blind cyclists to pedal in the back.
- Other volunteer cyclists used adaptive tandem bikes with cable-actuated rear steering to allow kids with cerebral palsy to participate as passengers at the helm.
- And cyclists with prosthetic legs persevered over the hills using handcycles – recumbent, hand-powered bicycles.
And suddenly I got a jolt of perspective.
Some people looked outside on the morning of the ride and decided not to go because it was raining. They didn’t want to get wet. They didn’t show up because of their circumstances.
I got the privilege of cycling with people who showed up in spite of their circumstances.
And I met the amazing volunteers who showed up without any thought to their own circumstances. They came to create an experience for and boost the confidence of those with disabilities.
Ironically, I registered for the ride to make a difference with some fundraising. But witnessing people’s unshakable commitment and courage made the perspective-altering difference for me.
When was the last time you showed up in spite of circumstances?