Think on this!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Think on this!
I got stopped behind a school bus today. Stopped, sucking diesel fumes when I want to accelerate for the 4% grade up ahead. Grumbling, right up till I saw a young boy get off the buss, with two leg braces, hobbling up the driveway to his home.
All the sudden I was quite humbled, and very thankful for my health.
Rode home a little slower, very reflective.
All the sudden I was quite humbled, and very thankful for my health.
Rode home a little slower, very reflective.
__________________
I have NEVER regretted going on a ride;
I have often regretted not going when I could have!
I am grateful for the headwind that challenged me today!
I am grateful for the tailwind that helped me go fast!
Clydesdales and Athenas Strava Club
https://www.strava.com/clubs/clydesda...bikeforums-net
I have NEVER regretted going on a ride;
I have often regretted not going when I could have!
I am grateful for the headwind that challenged me today!
I am grateful for the tailwind that helped me go fast!
Clydesdales and Athenas Strava Club
https://www.strava.com/clubs/clydesda...bikeforums-net
#3
Full Member
Thanks for that story. Very instructive.
#4
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
Thanks for sharing your experience. While not exactly the same, I've had similar experiences when I've been pissed off and feeling sorry for my situation and then I see someone else, not necessarily handicapped, but maybe vastly overweight or struggling with some other disability . . .
And I think, "Hold on how . . . maybe I don't have it so bad after all."
True, as 1Coopgt pointed out; it's a matter of perspective!
Rick / OCRR
And I think, "Hold on how . . . maybe I don't have it so bad after all."
True, as 1Coopgt pointed out; it's a matter of perspective!
Rick / OCRR
#5
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Central PA
Posts: 356
Bikes: 1984 Cannondale road w/ MANY upgrades, 2017 Trek Fx7.5 Hybrid, 1953 Rudge "work-in-progress", a 1956 Hercules "Royal Prince", and an unknown year, unknown frame lot's a fun single-speed!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
58 Posts
Good insight, thanks for the reality check. Ride safe.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,548
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 4,532 Times
in
3,366 Posts
A couple of days ago, I had a school bus that passed me going up a 6% hill, and stopped less than 1 bus length ahead of me, flashing lights and all, "do not pass" just to let a kid hop out and get into the parent's motorized golf cart to take her 1/4 mile down a dead-end country road with no traffic.
But, your story is a good reminder that life isn't the same for everyone.
But, your story is a good reminder that life isn't the same for everyone.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, R. I.
Posts: 4,340
Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 663 Post(s)
Liked 496 Times
in
299 Posts
I have just read something almost the same in a book about the triple crown winner American Pharoh, (I like horses). His jockey, during a difficult period in his own life, happened to visit the oncology section of a children's hospital where the children were in various stages of their treatment. Some with no hair, others at difficult stages of chemo, and of course, not all would live but all were dealing well with their situation and were even happy. He was moved to tears and began donating a portion of his earnings to the hospital.
Often we are so involved in our own lives and the narrow focus that involvement produces,we fail to see how fortunate we have been.
Often we are so involved in our own lives and the narrow focus that involvement produces,we fail to see how fortunate we have been.
#10
Banned
There is that, "I complained because I had no Shoes, then I met someone who had no feet " situation in life.
#11
Partially Sane.
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
Posts: 3,559
Bikes: Soma Saga, pre-disc
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 643 Times
in
468 Posts
Yep, God has a funny way of putting us in our place sometimes. Just today, I was sitting in an Arby's, grumping to myself (in my head, not aloud) about it raining. A guy with learning disabilities came in, and started complaining to me, about the rain. I had a weird moment, in my head again, because even though I agreed, I also felt obligated to try to cheer him up, even if just a little. So after a bit of thought, I just said the grass & flowers like it, and that put a smile on his face. 🙂 I'm not looking for a pat on the back, lol, just saying, perspective is everything, sometimes.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,980
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,686 Times
in
830 Posts
Over the last few years, my immediate family has been experiencing more than our fair share of ongoing challenges. At first I was more impatient and angry with others, but now I am more patient, more understanding, and if I see a situation where I can help ease some one else's burden, or brighten their day, I do it. As far as how it relates to cycling, I yield more, stop to help fix more flats and chains, true a few wheels and adjust brakes, and sometimes simply ring my bell, smile and wave to acknowledge other riders, especially young kids with their parents.
I am a realist, however, and I will check my surroundings and decide if I am putting myelf at risk.
But, this is the 50+ forum, and I assume that by this age most people have been knocked down a peg or two by misfortune, or at least learned some empathy some how.
I am a realist, however, and I will check my surroundings and decide if I am putting myelf at risk.
But, this is the 50+ forum, and I assume that by this age most people have been knocked down a peg or two by misfortune, or at least learned some empathy some how.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 135
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Allez SE "Jim Merz" edition, Trek 750
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 58 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Sometimes we all need an event to press the "reset" button on life. Your story/observation is one of those times.
#14
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,813
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1397 Post(s)
Liked 1,336 Times
in
842 Posts
Your story reminds me of Georgena Terry, the founder of Terry Bicycles. She has never made a big deal about it, but she had polio and wore a leg brace while growing up.
Thank you for your post, BobbyG. I routinely ask, "Do you have everything you need?" when I pass a cyclist making a roadside repair, and I am pleased to report that I have seen other local cyclists doing the same. This admittedly comes easily for me, because, being blessedly devoid of athletic prowess, I have never viewed myself as a competitive cyclist.
Thank you for your post, BobbyG. I routinely ask, "Do you have everything you need?" when I pass a cyclist making a roadside repair, and I am pleased to report that I have seen other local cyclists doing the same. This admittedly comes easily for me, because, being blessedly devoid of athletic prowess, I have never viewed myself as a competitive cyclist.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#15
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,280
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1301 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
490 Posts
Well.., the first step in tightening air (and water) pollution laws is for citizens like you to get angry. Your desire for clean air can help promote better living conditions for all. The guy getting off the bus probably hates exhaust emissions as much as you do.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,587
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5231 Post(s)
Liked 3,600 Times
in
2,354 Posts
I got stopped behind a school bus today. Stopped, sucking diesel fumes when I want to accelerate for the 4% grade up ahead. Grumbling, right up till I saw a young boy get off the buss, with two leg braces, hobbling up the driveway to his home. All the sudden I was quite humbled, and very thankful for my health. Rode home a little slower, very reflective.
Last edited by rumrunn6; 03-31-17 at 09:14 AM.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 554
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 198 Post(s)
Liked 52 Times
in
41 Posts
I think it's human nature to take things for granted. sometimes we just need to be grateful.
to paraphrase the leader of a great fraternal organization "i would be completely satisfied if we just had a little more than we got now".
to paraphrase the leader of a great fraternal organization "i would be completely satisfied if we just had a little more than we got now".
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,811
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 184 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
90 Posts
I have just read something almost the same in a book about the triple crown winner American Pharoh, (I like horses). His jockey, during a difficult period in his own life, happened to visit the oncology section of a children's hospital where the children were in various stages of their treatment. Some with no hair, others at difficult stages of chemo, and of course, not all would live but all were dealing well with their situation and were even happy. He was moved to tears and began donating a portion of his earnings to the hospital.
Often we are so involved in our own lives and the narrow focus that involvement produces,we fail to see how fortunate we have been.
Often we are so involved in our own lives and the narrow focus that involvement produces,we fail to see how fortunate we have been.
#19
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,596
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1270 Post(s)
Liked 1,307 Times
in
721 Posts
I treat almost all traffic laws as "conditional" when I'm on the bike...except for the Stop For School Buses With Flashing Red Lights law. That one is inviolate in my book.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wild animals
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
54
07-24-10 11:08 AM