My strongest riding day on the Tour was a century–100 miles–in Sudan where my pace line could not be stopped. In the morning we averaged slightly over 30 kilometers an hour, with long stretches at 35 km/h. I felt great and very impressed with myself for keeping up with such a blistering pace. I assumed there was probably some tailwind, but I credited myself and my line with most of the effort. When I got off my bike at the lunch stop the wind that had been pushing us along nearly knocked me over it was so strong. It was only then that I realized how much of the day’s success could be attributed to this natural advantage. Not that we had been coasting along–we were pedaling hard and fast–but that silent helping hand, firm on our backs, had been keeping up our spirits and turning a good effort into a great success.
And that’s the thing about tailwinds–you often don’t notice them. That extra push that brings your loftiest goals into reach often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. You are sailing along, thinking your PB&J was especially potent that morning or all this training has finally kicked in, but it is not until the wind dies down or you turn a corner that you realize your previous advantage. Even then, sometimes it just feels like the world has turned against you; that neutral has changed into your disadvantage; that the speed you have become accustomed to should not cost you this much effort.
It is much the same in life.
Sometimes I entertain the foolish notion that I rode across Africa on my own, that I mustered my resources and completed this Herculean task by myself. But I know this is not the case. I may not have ridden a tandem bike, but the help I received from friends and family might as well been another set of legs pedaling along behind me. I would like to take this moment to thank the tailwinds that blew so strong for me all the way from Cairo to Cape Town: There were my friends on the Tour who, from the day we met, blocked the wind, taught me how to pitch my tent and change a tire, laughed with me (and sometimes at me), and generally kept me sane in the midst of the craziness that is the TDA. And of course my friends from home who helped me prepare for this trip and cheered me along via email, Facebook and blog comments. My iPod is filled with mix tapes and playlists from my amazing support group and I would often pick my music by deciding which friend I wanted riding with me. Last but not least, I want to thank my family. Throughout my life they have been a steady presence behind me; the extra push I need to turn my dreams into reality. I could not have done with trip without them.
Chances are, if you are reading this, you are blessed with some powerful tailwinds in your life as well. No matter how difficult life may seem at times, we have all won life‘s lottery by being born into the wealthiest society in history. These advantages, often unnoticed, are a great gust of wind that blow you past formidable obstacles like hunger, lack of education and basic health care, the most insidious forms of gender discrimination, and the list goes on and on. We are so accustomed to this push that we may not even notice it, but if you stop for a moment, step out of your life and put yourself in the midst of those without, the power of your advantage will knock you over. Throughout the Tour I met women who spend each day fighting headwinds that threaten their very existence. But they continue to struggle, to push forward and to make progress for themselves and their children.
So next time you find yourself riding strong, feeling that everything has suddenly come together and you are accomplishing more in your life than you ever thought possible, take a moment and look over your shoulder to say “thank you” to the tailwinds at your back. And if you are so inclined, take another moment to consider what you can do to pass on the advantages in your life to those who spend much of their time riding into the wind.
I am very thankful for all of you who have joined with me to try to turn the wind in favor of women and girls throughout the world by supporting The Global Fund for Women. This is my last blog post and the last time I will ask you to please make a contribution to this wonderful organization. Donations can be easily made through the secure server at www.firstgiving.com/catonabike.
Thank you and enjoy the ride of your life.
This post is perfection.
Stunning and tear-inducing. Congratulations. I encourage everyone who reads this to give to the Global Fund for Women in your honor if they haven’t yet done so.
You are an incredibly remarkable woman, and these blogs prove it. I was so sorry to miss the party/fundraiser in Olympia. My offer still holds for Seattle. If you come home between now and New Year’s (except mid-Oct), I would love to host a party in Seattle to catch those people.
I also enjoyed seeing the latest newsletter from the GFW with the too brief article and photo of you.
I love this, what a great post.
The perfect conclusion to an incredible journey–still so proud of you!
This is a beautiful post.
Wonderful! Thank for sharing these great moments.