An 8 year ride for kids

Put an end to Bullying & Adolescent Suicide

In year 3 of this mission, I introduced a bicycle ride to my travels to raise
awareness about issues kids are having to deal with at far too young an age.
Bullying and Adolescent Suicide are two of these challenging burdens most kids
will unfairly have to overcome throughout the remainder of their lives. At rides
end we will have ridden enough miles to traveled the perimeter of the earth, twice.
My mission on this ride has but one focus: To save kids lives.

Pride Runs Deep

June 11th, 2014

6-11-14

Robert Wells from London, England is a very proud World War II Veteran. He “would love to see more kindness in the world…in his lifetime!”
This proud Brit, joined  the British Armed Forces at age fourteen. He and I met while attending an outdoor children’s concert. He had loads of history to share. I love talking with Veterans as I travel. The great stories they share is something all of us should experience first-hand.

An Angel to the Homeless

June 10th, 2014

6-10-14

Ada from El Salvador, with hurting knees and all, walks several blocks to pick up sandwiches from a local store at the end of every day to feed to the homeless of London.

Going Underground

June 9th, 2014

6-9-14

Safety is my utmost consideration as I travel through London. Almost daily I will take the Tube, which is the underground/above ground train, into central London. The conductors and ticket takers love the kindness being spread as I make my way on the Kindness Bicycle from station to station.

Respect

June 8th, 2014

6-8-14

I watched as she walked toward the Kindness Bicycle, stopping dead in her tracks, as the sign on the rear caught her eye. She stood for a minute or more, letting the words “Show respect all the time” take hold, snapping a few photos as a reminder. She briefly glanced at the other signs, but this one held some special meaning to her.
I watched her walk off, without having any interaction, letting her reflect on her individual interpretation, praying that a bit of consolation and/or inspiration was found in those few words.

Wheels Across Europe

June 7th, 2014

6-7-14

I met Jonny Stockwell in London while he was having a farewell tea with his mother, he was about to head out of London on a ride that may take him into China. We, of course, had to share the stories on our rides. He is riding to help women in Afghanistan. He is loaded down a bit more than I, needing to camp out overnight on occasion as his wheels roll across Europe.

There is loads of interest in London as I navigate the crowded streets…even the lorry driver is cheering us on!!

Ealing Abbey

June 6th, 2014

6-6-14

Saint Benedict’s Abbey in Ealing, England is generously offering me lodging at their guesthouse on an availability basis. This is a huge help during this 63 day stay in London. There are many nights that the guesthouse is full and I will not be able to stay, but Father Anthony, who is in charge of hospitality, is working his magic to make things work when he can.
This beautiful place of faith and solitude are just what I need, allowing me the opportunity to reflect on the day.

Signs of the Thames

June 5th, 2014
6-5-14
Today I changed the front sign on the Kindness Bicycle to read: “Riding 26,000 miles for children,” and the one of the side signs to read: “Offer compassion to all children.” The people came out of the woodwork today. A few groups clapped …horns honked…people were giving me thumbs up before I did to them… I was invited into pubs for a pint…dozens of people posed with me…hundreds of conversations…huge huge huge day!!!