Sep 09 2009
Facing The Challenge
I love to ride – anytime, anyplace, all day or all night, or both.
This Labor Day weekend, rather than attend the barbeques or hit the beach I joined The Ribbon Riders, a group of female riders raising money for breast cancer and rode 1000 miles in 24 hours in order to attain Iron Butt status, something I’ve wanted for years.
It began with Pam, one of the group’s founders, letting me know that they were doing it to raise money for their cause – breast cancer. And, after much groveling and pleading, the ladies agreed to let me ride with them – as long as it was in the back of the line.
We lifted the kickstands at 5:00 a.m. and 20 hours in the saddle and 1059 total miles later we became Iron Butt Certified and members of the World’s Toughest Bikers. Along the way, I thought about this challenge and the others we all face each and every day. I came to the conclusion that there are only two types of challenges out there, the ones we want to accomplish and those that we have to accomplish.
The first is by pure choice and the second is usually thrust upon us out of circumstance rather than consent. In either case, these challenges are difficult and thrilling and what makes them fun (or not) at the time is advanced notice. We don’t like surprises and the notice offers us an opportunity to plan and therefore anticipate the needs and difficulties we’ll face along the way.
Therefore the key in accomplishing those thrust upon us is to remember that it too is usually associated with something we love doing. It’s just hidden behind that mountain of doubt that comes from being blindsided.
Dwain – The BusinessBiker
As always – these are just my thoughts on the matter, I could be wrong. So, if you disagree or simply want to pile on, please do so either here on the BLOG or email me directly at Navigator@BikersGuidetoBusiness.Com I look forward to hearing from you. www.bikersguidetobusiness.com
Stumble it!
Good post. That would have been a totally awesome experience! I wish I could have been there. Glad they let you go along with them.
Yes, it was a great experience and a total privilege to ride with those lady riders. They were awesome.
Thank you for the post – I can’t think of anything more fun than riding with a big group of ladies for a really worthwhile cause. I hope they treated you well! I am sure that the iron butt was worth the memories.