My wife Nicole has told me numerous times that I need to concentrate on the positives rather than the negatives. I have a tendency to see all the things that could have been better first, rather than all the things that were done well. There have been a number of things that as they occurred over the six days of the Red Shield Ride and in the days since that I've thought could have been better, but I'm going to try and do as Nicole says; she'll be so pleased!
On Saturday morning, albeit a little later than normal, I hopped on the bike and went out for a 'recovery' ride. Now in all honesty, I won't pretend to fully understand the concept of a 'recovery' ride - I'll probably google it when I'm finished writing this and realize I did it all wrong anyway.
It was good to get out on my own for a bit. I've heard people saying for many years now that cycling is the new golf and therefore it is a social sport. Now don't get me wrong, I already said here a couple of times how much I like riding with other people, but every once in a while, it's nice to get out on my own; it gives me time to think and not think if you know what I mean.
So as I peddled down to Kingston Beach and back, I first of thought of the riders who came with me; what a great group they are. Each of their involvement carried significance (for me if not for anyone else).
Phill Abram; is a good mate and fellow Salvo Officer, we both love mountain biking but this was the first time we'd ridden our roadie's together. It's always great to be out and away from ministry with Phill.
Steve Miller; 12 months ago almost to the day of his involvement in the Red Shield Ride, Steve was undergoing his first round of Chemo in his battle against cancer. Steve was the only non-rider of the group meaning he doesn't ride regularly. Yet on Thursday last week - riding a mountain bike, not a road bike - Steve rode up and over Bonnet Hill here in Hobart. Words don't adequately describe how proud I am of him for doing this, and how happy I was to be part of that achievement.
Aaron Petersen; my brother-in-law and a true inspiration. Aaron paid his own way to bring his bike over from the mainland to cycle with us - who does that? I was so encouraged to have him come and be a part of the Ride.
Stuart Foster; my regular riding buddy! Stuart's encouraged me all the way through with this event, though a couple week from start of the ride, he started making noises about how unprepared he was and unfit; each time I waved it off with "it'll be fine, you'll do great" and guess what. He did! Stuart rode the whole Ride with me.
It regard to my two goals for the Ride; to raise awareness of the Red Shield Appeal in Tasmania and to raise money for the Appeal too, I'm really pleased with how we performed in both. I think I spoke with the media for 5 out of the six days of the Ride. We had radio and newspaper promotion before, throughout and after the ride. The TV camera's were even there at the end of the Ride for the Statewide Launch of the Neighbourhood Appeal. So on the whole, I think we did really well in raising awareness - and there were some good lesson's learned as well for next time. As for funds raised, at the moment we're sitting on just over $3000 with all of that coming from the sponsorship of friends and family, not bad for a first time effort.
As far as I went...? I loved being out on the bike for six days. My body coped really well physically - though with all of the other demands each day I was left pretty tired. For me the ride was a dim reflection of life and in many respects, of how good of a life I live. There were moments of joy and exhilaration. There were also moments of pain and misery. It wasn't easy, I had to work each day to complete the stage(s). But each day I had company; there was always someone with me to share the pain, offer encouragement, or even to just be there as we powered on for a bit in silence. Had I attempted the Ride alone, I truly don't know how I would have gone.
All this confirms to me that we are made for company! We're not meant to be alone! My faith in Jesus means I'm never alone, yet even when Adam was created, God recognized Adam's need for companionship. I don't know what it is like for people who journey through this life alone, but the Red Shield Ride has reminded me that The Salvation Army is committed to coming alongside those who don't have anyone else and walking with them; I'm glad I'm a part of that.
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