It's official! On September 4th, we're leaving to bike to New Orleans. This plan has its origins in the rose-colored glasses that one acquires at camp. Upon more sober evaluation, we've come to the conclusion that goshdarnit it's a swell idea and dagnabbit we're going. "We" at this point includes Sam, Rachel, Jesse, and me, with the possible addition of three rad Guilford grads. It's a very affirming, positive-thinking group of "funemployed" young folks.
I just sent off a number of fund raising letters to close friends asking for donations to Sibley Bike Depot and its youth program (www.bikeped.org). There were so many enthusiastic kids wandering into the shop this spring that it became clear that we needed to come up with some sort of a structured program. Thus was born the Junior Mechanics program, in which kids pick out a donated bike and then take a four-week mechanics class and learn by fixing up their own rides. Afterwards they can come in and work aside adults at the normal volunteer hours. I really adore those kids. So, I'm hoping that by next February Sibley will have raised enough money through donations and bike sales to hire a part-time youth programs coordinator--a consistent face to be there for them.
I admit in the past I have scoffed at people who tour for a cause--why is fund raising on a bicycle any more effective than when one is stationary? The whole concept is still somewhat beyond me, but I decided to go for it anyway. Now, I'm beginning to understand the premise. The ride is an attention-getting device--some folks will turn their heads when they hear you're going on a bike tour, but almost no one will give a second glance to yet another pre-addressed donation envelope. The tour gives me more of an occasion to talk up the organization, and my appreciation grows every time I explain it. Knowing that the people I love and respect have donated to the project makes me care about it even more, and it gives me an avenue through which to build rapport with strangers. And I guess the fact that I've promised others that I'll reach my destination raises the stakes and makes it more likely that I'll make it over the last mountain pass (or the last bayou, in this case).
The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is that some charity rides seem to carry a variation on the "noble" sentiment, a certain pomp and circumstance or self-celebratory generosity. I am under no illusions about this--a bike tour is a pretty self-indulgent endeavor, in my book! I just wanted to jump at the opportunity to bolster an organization I hold dear.
