I am writing today about NEEDS and HAVES. People need something and you have something. How do we link the two? Times are hard and for the first time since WWII (in my opinion) we have felt what it is like, on a national level, to sacrifice and go without. This differs from person to person, and for some, this crisis has no effects at all. There are millions of people right now who have needs, real legitimate needs, for things that just allow them to do their everyday tasks. Just their jobs. We are talking nothing fancy or extra-curricular. There are lots of people who also have these things sitting around collecting dust. That connection has to be discovered somehow. Think about this. What do you have right now that you have no current plans for. Now get these items in a room and snap pictures. Now go find someone that needs them and deliver them. Watch at what beautiful things are created with your old items that have been sitting around, getting in your way.
Last night, my friend from West Palm Beach who goes by Bikelangelo, called me and we chatted for about an hour. He is a bicycle delivery person delivering food. As he told me a story of struggling to deliver a huge order, he had a real desire in his voice to do more. To be better at his job. To rise above his circumstances. He mentioned a bicycle trailer would be ideal for delivering party platters. These generate big tips, as the 20% based off the whole bill could pay a bill or two for a struggling delivery guy.
I happen to have an old bicycle trailer, which looks like brand new. This was given to me by my older sister, about 7-8 years ago, and it has been in the attic ever since. I could use it for camping, now that I have a bicycle, but is that what I should keep it for? The one time that I may use it, to go into the woods solo, to carry lots of unnecessary comforts so I can sleep in the woods and "suffer" more comfortably? Without hesitation, I said, "I have one and right now I am going to go into my attic and somehow get this to you." His response was overwhelming gratitude. If you can do good with what you have, whether it be things, time, monetary donations, DO IT... you will not be sorry.
In the cycling community, it's a thing. We help each other! The same could be said for every community. Jeeps, motorcycles, a club, fraternity, neighborhood, and whatever brings you and your peeps together. People helping people. I believe in the times of a crisis situation like the current worldwide pandemic, we rediscover the good in other people, but most importantly, in ourselves. This is what makes our Nation the strongest, and why we will most likely never be invaded from another country. That and our Second Amendment Right.
Now, I am going to seek help in delivering this trailer to West Palm Beach. Maybe Amtrak could help me out if they have room on their baggage car????? More to follow, Stay tuned....
Ride on,
Duane C Stamm
Natiive Cycler
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