Common-Unity: Imagine

Community…I like to break it down to common-unity.  The way I see it, as a human being, my community is made up of about 7 billion people.  I am a firm believer in the “Butterfly Effect”, and off the bicycle the single most transforming event in my life was when I got that I am my community, and my community is me.  I understand in the context of my actions and language I can create the community I desire.  The possibility I have created is a happy healthy community where the bicycle is the preferred mode of transportation.  My life’s work is making this possibility a reality, what makes it more special is having others in the community see this as a possibility for them as well…this is when magic happens.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting in-tune with the Colorado non-profit community, and am blown away by the work they do and differences they make.  Early last spring, I had the pleasure of meeting a twitter friend @christoc for a bicycle ride.  We met for the purpose of riding somewhere to have lunch.  Chris suggested the SAME Café, just east of downtown Denver.  Once there, Chris introduced me to the owners and his personal friends, Brad & Libby Birky.  The lunch was amazing and the concept even more amazing.  This is a non-profit restaurant where patrons can pay it forward; pay what they can or volunteer time to earn a meal.  In Englewood (CO) I’ve become friends with Cathy Matthews, founder of Café 180, which is also a non-profit restaurant.  The food is scrumptious at both locations, but even more appetizing is the goodness they serve up for the community.

I singled these two locations out because they are a wonderful destination for a bicycle ride and a cool thing to consider if you’ve ever considered volunteering (in the Denver area).  As cyclists we share a pretty tight community, one based on acceptance and respect.  Why not take that mentality into the communities we call home?  I know some of you already do and have accomplished extraordinary things, delivering positive impacts on countless lives but there is always room for one more…right?

• What can you do for your community?
• What organizations speak to you?
• What difference do you want to make?
• How many times have you thought to yourself, somebody should do something about that?

Guess what…you’re somebody and you’re more powerful as an instrument of change than you will ever give yourself credit for.  I want to challenge you to embrace the root of the cycling community, acceptance and respect then share that as a possibility for the community in which you live by becoming involved with your community.  As John Lennon wrote and sang, “Imagine”.

Happy Riding…

Tags: challenge, Community