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 Moab Century Tour 2008
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"Living Strong at the Moab Century Tour" - by participating cyclist, Gregg Stucki Print E-mail
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
The Ride: With the wind at our backs and the warmth generated from climbing, the snowy ascent to Fisher Mesa was deceptively tolerable ("this isn't so bad"). But that feeling was short lived. I don't think we were fully aware of what we were getting ourselves into; it was like the subtle trickery some dreadful beast would use to lure unsuspecting prey into its lair........ MoabCent07_400 The Lesson:  There is a valuable lesson to be learned from all of this. Somewhere along that last stretch of scenic highway through the river corridor, as I was toiling along and thinking how difficult the day had been (I've never been so miserable on my bike before!) a thought came to me. It reminded me of something very real and gave me new insight. My focus suddenly shifted from what "I" was dealing with, to what "others" are dealing with. In less than half-an-hour I would be home, relaxing, resting and recovering. My suffering would be over and the toil of the day would be fading away like a distant memory. BUT FOR FOLKS STRUGGLING WITH CANCER THE RIDE DOESN'T END, IT JUST KEEPS GOING. There is no resting, relaxing or relief from the constant onslaught and furry of the disease. This was a sobering realization and it flooded over me with emotion. I'm sure it was driven home more powerfully because of what I was feeling. This thought flipped my whole perspective around, 180 degrees. Instead of remembering the day as one I would like to forget, it became one of greater appreciation and turned out to be a most rewarding day. I had been riding for my father, who is dealing with cancer. That was the inner force that kept me cranking throughout the day. He hasn't given up, so neither must I.
 
Keeping in mind the purpose and mission of this event (helping find a cure) it just wouldn't seem appropriate to have perfect weather for the event-- fair skies, pleasant temperatures, no wind or rain. A little suffering is good for us. It enhances our understanding, deepens our appreciation, and expands our compassion for others.
 
A post-script theme for the the 2007 Century Ride: "One terrible day of cycling, is still better than a good day with cancer".
 
Gregg Stucki
Moab

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