Practicing to promise beyond ableness in various aspects of our lives stretches our comfort zone and prevents us from becoming stagnant. It reminds us that we can keep growing, learning, and expanding our experiences, regardless of our age or current abilities. Making a promise beyond ableness to ride 70 miles in one day will push me both mentally and physically. The distance is scary enough to commit me to training!  

Raise Money for a Worthwhile Cause

My former colleague also added to his “no-brainer” comment, “and I might as well be raising money for a charity or nonprofit at the same time.” Makes sense to me too! The Second Summer Cycle is held specifically to raise much needed funds for 18 nonprofits across the Cape. Riding is a fun way to fundraise for a nonprofit of your choice. 

I’m riding for Resilient Roots because, at this time of climate crisis, we desperately need to learn how to reestablish our relationship with nature, the land, and each other. This is the work of Resilient Roots, our community-based nonprofit that empowers individuals to transform suburban spaces into edible, native landscapes that regenerate our ecosystem’s health, mitigate climate change, and reconnect us to the earth and to one another. I can’t think of a better organization to support. 

Asking for donations to Resilient Roots as a form of sponsorship for my ride is a win-win too. Most  people are not only impressed that I’m riding 70 miles in one day (as they should be!) but are also happy to sponsor me because Resilient Roots is an easy organization for them to support. 

Take Advantage of the Event Support

As someone who typically rides only on a bike path, joining a charity ride like this one is an ideal way to feel safer about riding on the road. I’ll be joining several hundred other riders on the same day, on the same route, along with marshals at every turn and motorcyclists patrolling the whole course. This boosts my confidence about taking my bike on the road.

I’m also not a bike geek, so it helps to know I can get help at any of the local bike shops along the course if I have any issues with my bike. And a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle will follow the route and pick me up if I need to stop and be transported for any reason. 

Finally, I will surely be taking advantage of the hydration and nutrition stops every 15 miles along the course. I know I’ll want a break after every 15 miles. If I need it, medical and physical therapy support will be available at all the food stops. The Second Summer Cycle organizers are committed to prioritizing safety for this event, so it all feels like a great opportunity to take advantage of the support for a ride like this that I wouldn’t otherwise do on my own. 

Be Part of a Collective Experience

It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to be part of an event like this. I’ll start training this month and plan to do some training rides with other riders too. So the social aspect of this event starts months in advance. I’ll meet new people, most of whom value the work of nonprofits, so they are generous people who value purpose-driven work and organizations. It’s likely I’ll make some new friends by participating in this ride. 

I’ll engage my family and friends in supporting me in my training too, and their donations and ongoing requests for updates will keep me on track with my commitment to my promise beyond ableness. They’ll know their support is crucial to my success, so they’ll feel good about helping me as well. I’ll get to talk about Resilient Roots and share its mission with others. People are often uplifted learning that a local organization is doing such critical work at this time, and they'll feel good about not only supporting me but also supporting the work of Resilient Roots. 

On the day of the ride, the collective energy of all the riders, supporters, organizers, and volunteers will be palpable, and I know I’ll be buzzing! As we spend the day riding the beautifully scenic back roads of Cape Cod, that collective energy and adrenaline will carry us all through the pain and discomfort of the ride. Yep, there will inevitably be some pain (that right knee of mine!) despite all the training. But the after party, and knowing I’ve been part of something larger than myself, will make it so worthwhile. 

Will You Join Me?

What’s your promise beyond ableness? Is it joining the Resilient Roots Team in the Second Summer Cycle? I hope so! You can email me at grow@resroots.com for any questions about this event.