Archive for July, 2012
Serenity on the Back-roads
A few years ago, I thought I could manage an early retirement from the rat-race. We sold our condo, bought a recreational vehicle (RV) and hit the road to promote REVERSE GEAR and enjoy one of our favourite past-times - cycling. It was a wonderful lifestyle while it lasted. But a recession (possibly two), some stock-market corrections that reduced the value of our pensions, and higher expenses than we anticipated on the road changed everything.
The RV is now temporarily parked at a small lake for the summer. And I am back in Toronto - working at REVERSE GEAR, doing some consulting, and part-time in an office job. Once again, trying to find enough hours in a day to accomplish everything on my to-do list and also find time for fitness - the stresses mount during the week.
Fortunately, I can still make time for cycling on the weekends. And this one demonstrated the benefits of cycling the back-roads once again. Me and “my little red trike” left the stresses of life behind as we pedalled an hour and a half in the quiet country-side every morning. The quietude gave me time to “think” and time to “not-think”. When I wasn’t thinking, I was simply appreciating the beauty in the clouds and the sky.
Ah, Monday morning will soon be here - but I have renewed energy to tackle the week - gained from just a few hours on “my little red trike”.
The Marc Stephan Challenge
Reverse Gear is proud to be a recumbent cycle-clothing sponsor for the 3129 miles of the Stephan Challenge when Mark Stephan rode his tricycle from April 15 to July 1, 2012 from California to Florida.
What made this ride so special is that Mark is a quadriplegic who was told he would never walk again. He didn’t accept the prognosis and has not only walked - but has now ridden his tricycle to raise funds for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Click to read Mark’s story.
For a glimpse of Mark wearing the Phoenix jersey n Hwy 86, check out this video which documents the first week out there.
You can also see the Phoenix and the RG jersey in this inspiring and heart-warming video coverage of his story by Mike Leonard on the Today Show.
Congratulations to Mark on his courage and success in this great achievement.
Mark - This story is such an inspiration to all of us.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
You are currently browsing the Reverse Gear blog archives for July, 2012.