Foo - Life Changing Email

A rider on my team sent out an e-mail a few hours ago basically saying that he's been medically advised to stop racing and riding. He didn't get into the specifics, but he feels that it's time to stop, so he's giving away numerous high-dollar wheelsets, bikes, frames and miscellaneous as Pay it Forward.
I feel guilty for taking him up on the offer, but the e-mail has really changed me, I just feel so different. I don't want to be pissed at anything, after thinking about it, it feels like a weight has been taken off of me.
It sounds cliche or overused, or even a little bit overembellished, but this random act of kindness has really just made me realize that there are good people in the world. It made me forget about the problems that we are all facing, and put things into the perspective they should be viewed in. The funny thing is that it's not like I'm in this just for the gifts, I want this man to ride again and prosper, I think that the only way to top this feeling is to pass it on.

Wow, I really can't believe something so simple has changed me so much.


FOCUS: Have you ever Paid-it-Forward?

Yep. Paid it Forward on many things. Don't regret it at all. I can always use some good karma as well.

It's tough to think of having the things we love taken away from us. But it happens at various stages throughout our lives. You learn to find new passions and hobbies though.

This is a sad story that turned to good. His generosity will always be remembered by you. You can pay him back by putting what he gave you to very good use. And let him know of your progress should you advance with his wonderful gifts. :)

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Mich and I were at the local co op building up the bike he sent me. It was raining really bad outside and we had to do it there since we weren't anywhere near my house. USA Zorro sent a saddle that was women's specific and I was excited to get the new saddle on there.

While we were busy this student comes in to repair his bike and he didn't know how to adjust the gears. Mich helped him and I noticed the saddle on his bike was torn up and missing the foam. He had a plastic bag over it because the sponge on the saddle would just soak up the rain.

I looked at Mich and we both locked eyes knowing we should give him the saddle that was on the bike since Zorro sent me one that was in new condition.

He was sooooooooo happy he can sit on a saddle that wouldn't get him wet. It was a good feeling. :)

I've given a lot of stuff away. I especially like to give books to my students. I tell them that if they like the book they can pass it on.

Funny thing: Paying it forward always seems to come back to you as well, and often from a completely unexpected direction. ;)

I've done it - it's nice. :)

I love to give and have given a few good bikes away rather than sell them. It just seems the thing to do, I have had many things given to me and the last one was an electric guitar and it felt nice too.

"Tis better to give than recieve".

Steven

I think I'm pretty fortunate. I make every effort to do something any time I can.
I did today, and didn't really think about it till I read this thread.

Now ... who needs a damn Chihuahua? can I pay it forward?!

Giving anyone a chihuahua should never be considered paying it forward.

Giving anyone a chihuahua should never be considered paying it forward.

Thats like someone passing out pamphlets. They're basically saying "here, you throw this away"

i say take something expensive.




















then ebay it & give the earnings to a charity, preferably one that has to do with his illness if possible.

I've mostly been a beneficiary of the pay-it-forwards, just 'coz I'm the poor, hungry, almost-always-broke student that I am. I feel bad about it sometimes, because I feel like I'm just taking all the time. I try to give when I can though, mostly in non-material matters.

I think I'm pretty fortunate. I make every effort to do something any time I can.
I did today, and didn't really think about it till I read this thread.

Now ... who needs a damn Chihuahua? can I pay it forward?!

Eeeek, a rat!!!! No, wait, rats are much cuter than Chihuahuas...

I hope whatever your friends reasons that he is/gets well
and that he understands and is somehow fulfilled in the
ways he has touched others lives both in what he gives and who he is.

I've made sure that he knows. I missed out on some 404 tubulars with 200 miles that he had, but he'd like to give me a StumpJumper FSR with XT/XTR.
I'm very fortunate.