Good People Abound

I was thinking about some of the stories Ben has told about his ride so far. Totally restores my faith in humanity.

Like the couple who helped him in the Sierras, giving him a lift and sharing a campsite with him.

Like the couple in Nevada who gave him water when he rode on to a campsite without any water.

Or like any of the other numerous folks who have generously shared water and Gatorade with them along the way.

Like the man in Fallon who offered his home to Laura and Noah (and all his negative advice!)

Like the man who was in a suit on a bicycle leaving a funeral, saw and dragged Ben to a store and bought him a quart of ice cream. Just because.

Like the couple who invited Ben's entire group into their home, let them shower and wash all their clothes. Took them four wheeling and fed them dinner.

Like the crazy woman who told Ben and Laura to wait on her porch for the rest of their group, then took Ben shopping in order to get the best price on a fleece pullover.

Like the lovely young woman who came by their campsite at 5:00 in the morning, after a horrific thunderstorm, with hot coffee to share with the group.


Like all the people in Kansas who support all of the cyclists riding the TransAmerica Route. 


Like my friend Joanne Schenck (whom I haven't seen in YEARS) who contacted friends of hers in St. Louis and they are letting Ben store his bike and gear in their garage while he comes home for a wedding.


And like Danielle, Henry, Mick, Noah and Laura who were total strangers until they met on the road and rode together, supporting each other while they could.

My family likes to joke about how "People are no damned good . . . ain't you glad we ain't people?" But really, people are wonderful.