Day Seven: Save Our Souls

Don't let the title fool you, today was a good, easy day. The ride was enjoyable (despite the four consecutive flats the team experienced) and not too long or too hilly. It was a little chilly, but we had some great views of the NY hills and vineyards, along with Seneca Lake. We passed the Seneca lake front on the ride into Geneva, a gorgeous and amazing little town with a touch of charm.

So why "Save Our Souls"?

After reading the last few updates that I posted I realized that I was leaving out a very crucial observation: people are more generous than this world would lead you to believe. In a time where the media portrays images of greed, financial decay, and moral collapse, the good  still exists. For instance, meet Michael Bassett, a great man from the US Navy who donated 90 dollars of his own and fundraised an additional $200 from friends and family so we would be able to eat. 

See the full Team Album here, updated often!

Mike then drove an hour out of his way to the falls by Ithaca to meet up with us and hand deliver the cash. He saved our souls. We now know that if, for whatever reason, we fail to obtain food donations or an emergency occurs, we have cash on hand.

And it's not just Michael Bassett--communities from along the route have been just as generous. Churches welcome us openly, even trusting us enough to leave the backdoor open and allow us to use the space without instruction! Managers and food vendors offer large amounts of food to us willingly. There have also been cases where employees have paid for the food that we were given, usually in honor of someone they know who has been affected by cancer. Strangers have let us into their homes to fill our water coolers. PEOPLE ARE GOOD.

Sure, evil exists, and there are those out there that you wouldn't want to cross paths with. Yet, there are those out there in the world who will gladly give a total stranger a helping hand and join together for a common cause. Like the amazing people who make up the team. Without them, I would not have climbed as high or rode as far as I had. They've been there to help me through everything and the world has been there to help us all along on our journey.

The universe (or God, or whatever entity/ being/ random probability that you believe greases the gears of life) has provided us with what we need through people who give just to give. There is no greater gift than the selfless sacrifices that we have experienced every day. Be grateful for something, better yet--be grateful for everything for you have more than you know and so much more than you will ever need.

I consider our souls saved; we're going to be more than fine.

Be Good, Do Good,

James

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Today's ride is dedicated to Scott, a friend of my Pedal Pal Beth, who sadly lost his battle with cancer early this year.