A Letter from My Cycle Buddy

ALC has a position called Cycle Buddy. They are cyclists who have ridden the ride before and who work with the foundation and with their cyclists to answer questions, be a source of support and to generally cheer on the folks who put their asses in the saddle to help end HIV/AIDS.

Here is an email that come out today from my cycle buddy - Kari. Yes, it went to every one of her cyclists that she is "responsible" for. But still, the message is beautiful, and if you had the chance to meet Kari, you'd know that she would mean every word of this. :)

Dear Shawn,

I'm sitting on an oversized window sill, just big enough for my 5'3" self in the ALC office here in SF. Below me and to the left is 6th Street and straight ahead I can see the bustle of Market St. I've stepped away from the computer, from the emails, phone calls, and planning meetings to spend some time, some real time, thinking about what and how you might be feeling right now. I've been remembering all I felt with my first ALC experience and if I were right in front of you now, I'd simply say, "I promise, everything will be just fine. Trust me."

I know I don't have to tell you what day of what month it is as I'm sure you are well aware of the "just-around-the-corner" arrival of June and what it means to you, of all it means to you. If you are anything like I was back then, you might be super nervous and overwhelmed. I clearly remember thinking, "What if I just called in sick to the Ride? Can't I do that?" You may be obsessively checking the packing list wondering how in the world you are going to find time to get everything together. Or maybe you refresh your homepage every five minutes checking for those donations to finally post. Maybe though, if you're an experienced veteran ALC rider who has this whole thing figured out, or you're just one of the lucky ones born with an innate sense of calm, you may just be relaxing, excitedly awaiting Day 1, the skinny dipping spot, the "Cookie Lady", and Bradley.

Whatever the case, whatever stage of this experience you're in, and whatever you feel about this Ride, your ability to do it, your fundraising, or any and all of the above, I challenge you (as if you need another challenge!) to stop everything for just a moment. Clear your mind (if you can), close your eyes, and just sit in "why" ALC is so important to you. Why are you so committed? What about this event, this community, this time in your life moves you into action? Who were you when you first signed the registration form and who are you now?

The answers to those questions will act as the greatest of filters for every worry and concern to pass through. They will clean the gunk and grime off the "have to's" and "should's" and "what have I done's". Keeping your focus on the purpose (whatever that is for you) will enable this Ride, this experience, and the people you come in contact with to transform you. The details, the seemingly millions of little "i's" to dot and "t's" to cross will become possible.

I know how you feel. I truly do and I'm writing today simply to remind you of the incredible person you are to take on this challenge. You can do this. But even more importantly, you ARE doing this. Everything up until now is part of the whole. You are part of the whole. When I think about "why" I do the work I do here at ALC, "you" are one of my answers. Thank you for meaning so much to me.

May your purpose be the tailwind pushing strongly at your back.

Here's to a fantastic ride!

Your forever devoted Cycle Buddy,