Unexpected Kindnesses

Last year, I was out of the office on maternity leave for much of the summer, so I missed out on seeing and meeting the majority of the visiting cyclists who came through our office, as they do each year.

This year, however, I've had the opportunity to meet some of them, hear stories about many others, and generally feel encouraged about the work that we do here at Adventure Cycling. One of the most common types of stories we hear is that of the "unexpected kindness of strangers" along a cyclist's path. The random encounter that leads to a place to stay, a warm shower, and a good meal. A bike shop mechanic coming in on his day off to do repairs for a stranded traveling cyclist, sometimes at no charge. An offer to store a bike and gear when a family emergency cuts an adventure short. A veteran tourer lending her gear to a cyclist she just met, with no fear that it will not be returned in great shape and with much gratitude.

These stories are in some way common to almost every bike traveler's experience. They come as part of the larger revelation that many bicycle tourists discover: that the world is full of good, generous, helpful, wonderful people.

Our Bicycle Travel Awards Program for 2009 is open for nominations through the end of September, so if you have a story about someone like this, of a stranger who reminded you of the goodness in the world, nominate them! Winners will be recognized in Adventure Cyclist magazine as well as on our website and will receive a sweet pair of shoes, generously donated by KEEN.


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MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted each Friday by Amy Corbin, Membership and Marketing Coordinator. It spotlights the various benefits of membership, what we have accomplished thanks to member support, and even interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.