Post 3: A Belated Update

It's been over a month since my last post, but I'm back. I don't think there's too many people reading at this point anyways, so I'm not too worried. This is a long one folks, so be warned.

I took my first ride about 4 weeks ago. It was interesting, to say the least. I rode with one of the two other guys from my chapter participating in JOH this summer, Michael Walton. He met me out front of my dorm to teach me how to clip in to the bike. Unfortunately, once I learned how to clip in, it took me all of half of a second to realize that I didn't know how to clip out. I hadn't even moved yet and immediately fell over - foot still clipped into the bike. Strike one, and Blake falls for the first time. 

When I finally learned both how to get on and off of the bike, Michael and I rode about one block and came to a stop sign. Michael stopped, I unclipped one foot to lean on, and slowed down to come to a stop next to him. When I did so, I leaned the wrong way and fell right into him, knocking both of us off of our bikes at a whopping 0 mph. Just my luck - two guys are driving by with the windows down laughing at us as I stumble around cramping Michael's style. Strike two, and Blake falls for the second time.

We rode down to the Trinity River, which has a path that's about 18 miles long. On the way back from our halfway point, I tried to pass two girls that were walking in front of me - without telling them that I was about to pass. Just as I had the clearance to pass them, I hesitated and my front wheel went off of the sidewalk and into the grass. When I tried to bring the wheel back onto the sidewalk, it caught on the lip of the path and sent me flying forward, bike and all. I hit the ground pretty hard and skidded a few feet before coming to a stop. I quickly bounced up to my feet and assessed the damage as the two girls came running over to see if I was OK. Huge gash on the elbow, bleeding hip, healthy chunk of skin hanging off of my thumb, hands scraped and bleeding, composure intact (miraculously). My helmet definitely saved me from further damage. (Alright mom, it took like 14 years for me to admit this, but you were right.) Michael and I rode about 5 more miles back to campus and I patched myself up. 

Currently scarred (literally), but fully recovered. Last week I participated in the Journey of Hope Regional Team Training in Austin, TX. We stayed the weekend at Down Home Ranch, a place for people with disabilities to live and work. On the first day, we rode 40 miles in nothing but hills and headwind. It was tough, but a good glimpse at what the summer will be like. After our ride we got to visit with residents of the ranch. We made valentines and cleaned the bikes that they use to get around. During our time with them I met some real characters. Not a single person failed to put a smile on my face. 

The second day we rode about 30 more miles in more gradual hills, but stronger headwind. Talk about a never-ending hill. At the end of the day everyone was in bed by 9pm. That's a stark opposite from the late nights back at school. All in all, the experience was amazing, and now I can't wait for the summer!

Post 2: The Phone Call

Mr. Matznick called a few hours ago to let me know that he wanted to get me set up for JOH tomorrow. That means no more wait list - I'm going to get to ride after all. I couldn't be more excited to really get going on the process!

I had started riding the bike at the gym before winter break, and now I'm ready to get going again. However, now is when the fundraising really becomes my main focus. I'm going to have to raise $5,500 in five months, but I know that I can do it. When I was on the wait list, I was more hesitant to send out letters in fear that I'd receive donations and not end up riding this summer. That being said, I knew that being in this position was a distinct possibility. But hey, I'd rather be in this position than not riding at all.

I posted a status on Facebook to let my friends know that I was going to have the opportunity to ride, and a fraternity brother of mine immediately responded. He told me that he had a question for me, so I texted him asking what was up. I figured the question might not even be related to JOH, or if it was, that it'd be something about the ride. Instead, he asked if I'd like to accept a donation on behalf his grandmother to count towards my fundraising. I gladly accepted, and I cannot thank him enough for contacting me. It's that kindness that I'm looking forward to so much throughout this process, and something tells me that I haven't seen the last of it. Fundraising won't be easy, and neither will the training, but if there's one thing I know, it's that I'm going to make it work.

I often tell people that I live by what I want to be able to look back on and be proud of. I can't fathom how fulfilling this experience may turn out to be, but I'm sure I won't look back and regret anything.

Post 1: It All Starts Here

A booth at a McDonald's in Blue Springs, Missouri isn't exactly where I thought my journey would begin. I'm currently #5 on the wait list for the ride, so I'm getting anxious as to whether or not I'll finally be put on the roster. I don't like to think I'll have to wait another year, but apparently my chances of getting on the roster are still pretty good.

I'm drafting the letters, so hopefully I can get those out ASAP to officially begin fundraising. I've set a personal goal of $6,000. That means $6,000 in 5 months. I'm not sure that I know what I'm in for here, but I think I can do it. With a little extra effort and a lot of help, this whole thing can be made possible.

My brother Nick took the ride in 2011. Seeing how much he got out of it is what made me want to do it myself. Every person that has taken the journey that I've talked to has said the same thing - that it's a life-changing experience. As much as I want that for myself, I hope that in some way my journey can be a life-changing experience for someone else.

Before I go any further, I want to thank everyone who has made this possible for me. It is because of your kindness, generosity, and support that I'm even here on the wait list.