Rich Dixon is an inspirational Christian man, who after suffering a permanent spinal cord injury is hand cycling across the United States. Below is a small excerpt from his website (www.richsride.org). Check it out if you would like to hook up with Rich along his ride.

Have you seen the movie The Bucket List? It’s the story of two cancer survivors who embark on a series of adventures, life-long ambitions to be accomplished before they “kick the bucket.”

Rich and his Yellow LabradorEver since I began hand cycling more than ten years ago, I’ve harbored the dream of an extended cross-country ride. I’ve done a few “virtual” versions in Fort Collins-1000 miles in a summer, 1250 miles to raise funds for a friend’s cancer treatments, and 3000 miles last year. But I’ve never mustered the courage to tackle the real thing.

The whole point of a bucket list involves acknowledging that time is limited. We tend to put off important adventures, waiting for a better time, until we suddenly realize that it may be too late. That “better time” never arrives and we’re left with wishes and regrets.

During 2011 my age will once again end in “0.” Age may be only a number, but it’s also a stark reminder that I don’t have forever to accomplish this crazy adventure. It’s time to do it or let it go. I want to do it.

My idea is to crank 1500 miles in about eight weeks, roughly along the Mississippi River north-to-south. I’d begin mid-August and hopefully follow cooler weather as I travel south.
Then I add my desire to use the ride as a fund-raiser for a couple of wonderful causes and to speak to groups about hope and dreams along the way-you see that it’s not as simple as jumping on the bike and taking off.

If I had any sense I’d forget the whole silly notion, but I’ve rarely been accused of displaying common sense. Why start now?

I envy people who have faith, I just can’t get my head around it. (Edward Cole)
Maybe because your head’s in the way. (Carter Chambers)

Related posts:

  1. IC3 Georgia Ride, Saturday the 1st
  2. Spring Joshua Tree Ride
  3. The Journey 2009: I Ride the River
  4. Ride Rating Format (Arizona)