In my position as associate development director, I am privileged to have the opportunity to hear many bicycling stories -- some that tug at my heart, some that inspire me to ride even more; all remind me of the importance of what we do at Adventure Cycling Association.
One such story arrived via a telephone call right before the holidays. The caller, Bill Maurey, had a story to tell about a fellow bicyclist. "Fritz" had recently died of a heart attack. A relatively young man (41), Fritz had never felt that he fit in most of his life. He struggled with his weight and physical disabilities.
That is, until he joined the Cleveland Touring Club. There, Fritz found that his fellow bicycle club members were accepting and welcoming. His mother recounted that this was the first time in life that Fritz felt like he belonged.
Understanding the important position bicycling held in Fritz's life, his friends at the Cleveland Touring Club -- led by Bill Maurey -- came together to make a donation in honor of their friend. In their letter, they made clear that Fritz was an honored member of the club and that the donation should support the U.S. Bicycle Route System -- something that Fritz believed in.
Cycling is a true equalizer among people and a way to bring people closer together. Most people can bicycle, despite their physical limitations. And when we bicycle, we tend to interact with one another -- so unlike travel by automobile.
And Fritz, for one, found that to be true.
--
BICYCLING INSPIRATIONS is posted the first and third Friday of each month by Julie Emnett, associate development director, and examines stories that illustrate why and how cyclists support our programs. Learn how you can support Adventure Cycling.
One such story arrived via a telephone call right before the holidays. The caller, Bill Maurey, had a story to tell about a fellow bicyclist. "Fritz" had recently died of a heart attack. A relatively young man (41), Fritz had never felt that he fit in most of his life. He struggled with his weight and physical disabilities.
That is, until he joined the Cleveland Touring Club. There, Fritz found that his fellow bicycle club members were accepting and welcoming. His mother recounted that this was the first time in life that Fritz felt like he belonged.
Understanding the important position bicycling held in Fritz's life, his friends at the Cleveland Touring Club -- led by Bill Maurey -- came together to make a donation in honor of their friend. In their letter, they made clear that Fritz was an honored member of the club and that the donation should support the U.S. Bicycle Route System -- something that Fritz believed in.
Cycling is a true equalizer among people and a way to bring people closer together. Most people can bicycle, despite their physical limitations. And when we bicycle, we tend to interact with one another -- so unlike travel by automobile.
And Fritz, for one, found that to be true.
--
BICYCLING INSPIRATIONS is posted the first and third Friday of each month by Julie Emnett, associate development director, and examines stories that illustrate why and how cyclists support our programs. Learn how you can support Adventure Cycling.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment
We appreciate your comments! We encourage lively discussion and dissent. Constructive criticism is welcome. However, if your comment flames the author or topic, or is considered spam, it will be deleted.