Just a quick update. I went on a 22.5 mile bike ride today, and was involved in a wreck in the first three miles. Other than a scarred elbow and shoulder, and damage to the bike (more like battle scars) I’m ok. My wife has some scratches and some pretty sore ribs. While it was a little scary and a little embarrassing, it was the kindness of strangers that made the entire trip worthwhile.

Immediately after we crashed, we had a couple of bicyclists that stopped and offered assistance. They helped us find everything that flew around during the crash, and even offered the use of their cell phones to call for help. After we assured them that we were ok, they wished us luck and rode off with a smile.

We started again, and I discovered that my bike wasn’t shifting properly. I stopped again to see what was the problem when another bicyclist approached us. He jokingly said “It’s never a good sign when a bike is upside down.” He then assisted me in adjusting the gear cables, and I was good to go.

Without the help of these three people, my ride would have been cut extremely short. I do not know who these people are, but I owe them a huge thank you for stopping what they were doing and helping me. It seems that bicyclists are that way: they help one another and make sure that their fellow bicyclists are ok. I hope that someday if the time comes, I will be able to help someone else in need.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all lived this way all the time? That we would always help one another, no matter what? I think that’s the goal we should all be aiming for.

So, at the end of the day, I ran 8 miles and rode 22.5 miles. I also felt the kindness of strangers and the unity of friends. All told, even with the skin loss, it was a positive day.

Live healthy, be happy.

Travis