Hope that Overcomes

Training Ride (Sort of) #2 - Arabia Mountain Mountain Trail

Today was special because part of the gang was back together and on the road again today. We were missing some pals, though (hint, hint). The mileage was short - only about 22 miles - but there's always fun when this group gets together. My friends, Todd and Stephen, share my passion for making AIDS a part of history. Todd is planning to ride the AIDS LifeCycle (545 miles in CA with me) if he can hit his minimum fundraising target. Selfishly, I don't want to ride by myself again so please help him out!! Stephen is a big part of the AIDS Vaccine 200 and hopes to ride Charity Treks with me this year. They are awesome guys.

It's been one of those crazy weeks with a quick trip to LA, a long trip to the GA tag office, Good Friday services and all the media and energy around a Supreme Court case. Most of my friends know that I gave up church for Lent this year but yet I couldn't pass up two of the most reflective days for me as I experience my faith - Palm Sunday and Good Friday. They represent, for me, the realities of life and faith and the cycle of being. While in LA, a colleague said she believed that, "in the end everything will be good - so if thing's aren't good, that means it's not the end yet." In some ways, this is the Easter story. During this week, we experience the images of human cruelty at its worst but tomorrow we will be reminded of Hope that overcomes.

Today, however, was a day of being reminded of the gifts of friendship. The chance to say "whatever" (what is said on the bike trail stays on the bike trail) and laugh at ourselves and life in general is priceless. The chance to meet other riders, to see Yorkies and Shorkies dragging their humans behind, to soak in the sunshine, and to breathe in the fresh air make it even more special.

Cheers, Friends, and Happy Easter and Happy Passover! May you live in the hope and be liberated from whatever binds you.