I've continued my long weekend rides, my longest so far was about 68 miles. On Memorial Day, I biked past Fort Sheridan, where at least one of the Army Reserve Units that trains there knows they are headed for Iraq. I biked on up the the Great Lakes Naval Training facility. On the way home I passed memorials to other heroes who have fought for freedom: a statue of Mahatma Ghandi, and an International Friendship garden. The whole ride I had songs in my head from our choir concert, which featured music sung for strength and protest during South Africa's apartheid era. A wonderful way to remember the price of what we call "freedom".
Here are a few stories of others who have taken me up on the second mile challenge:
Hi Keri,
I have donated $100 to the Human Rights Campaign, http://www.hrc.org/, in sponsorship of your ride. This is an extremely important cause for me. It is representing the cause of equal, human rights for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals and couples. I have been in a lesbian relationship for the last 4 years and not having equal rights financially, legally, etc, has been very difficult. I feel this organization has made a difference. Good riding! Love, Mom Hi Keri Leigh: Thinking of you on your bike ride. Gave Aumt Suz $100 for the Amer. Cancer Soc. in your name. We will participate in the cancer survivor & care giver walk in Burl. Co. for Aunt Sue's group, Hogans Heroes. You know that Pop Pop had a rough time with his treatments. Will always now deal with the damage from radiation but is doing well at age 83 and is still doing good here 8 years later. God is good! Prayers for your safety and good health on your ride. Love Gram(and scribe, Pop Pop)
My ride is at about the same time as the anniversary of a friend's brother's suicide. She has decided to give $7 for each of her 7 siblings in his memory to her parent's church (plus $1 to make an even $50). Also, during each day of the ride she will call a different sibling to have a conversation.
My coworker Rev. Green will be imagining a world without prisons. She has dedicated many hours to Men and Women in Prison Ministry, but realized she had never supported them financially. She is considering that possibility. She is also excited about sharing her vision with others.