Bogart is always on the ready. Having him around keeps me going…he’s like the Duracell bunny…nonstop!!
He is so much the key in connecting with most people when we are out together. Conversations ensue because of his presence.
He is well rewarded and looked after every step of the way…and he should be. He is therapy to everyone who interacts with him. He is my wingman on this 10 year mission. When I have a hard time getting motivated for whatever reason, he gives me the look like the one above. The phrase is one of my favorites, just two small words that have a big impact, “Let’s go!”

This town is one of my favorite stops in the bay area, especially on the weekend. This quaint little town fills up with people taking the ferry or riding their bike across the Golden Gate Bridge a few short miles from San Francisco.
I took The Kindness Bus for the two days and connected with as many people as possible. Thank you to Charlie of Philz Coffee and Melissa for the hospitality and for rolling out the “red carpet,” it is so nice when people make you feel right at home in their town.
Chris and his son Colin stopped by from Mill Valley, a few miles to the north. They got word of our visit and made the trip down. Thank you to Michael Mac Neill for the help with overnight parking and the financial support.
Jay, a student from Seoul, South Korea, fell in love with The Kindness Bus and its “messages for the world.” She wrote on its body, “May your heart be filled completely with love.” That sums up, perfectly, what The Kindness Bus Tour is all about.

I was invited to the home of author, Nance Cheifetz and Peter Grazier former CEO of Teambuilding Inc for a wonderful  dinner and brainstorming session this evening. They sat in on my presentation at Sutro Elementary earlier this week. Their work in helping individuals achieve greater good in their lives applies to what I am doing in a big way. Needless to say, I was all ears. Thank you to the two of them for taking the time to help improve my mission.
Nance has written a number of books, and a week ago she gave three of them to me, to see if I could use them in my work. One of the books. Monster Watch, is a direct connect with my Bullying ride. Visit her website for these valuable educational resources.
www.wizdomworksbooks.com

I visited this hilltop campus during my ride today, to the interest of many of the students. Jonathan, a nursing student loved the thought of bully-free campuses across the country. He really connected with kindness as a goal playing a big part in people’s interactions.
Christian and Helen were at The Kindness Bus when I arrived. They are traveling the country trying to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. They see a huge need for compassion in today’s world.
Thank you for the kind words from Evelyn who is getting her Masters in Education and works with underprivileged youth.
It was another perfect day throughout all of San Francisco.

In a couple of weeks, it will be two years since I started riding The Kindness Bicycle to address issues kids have to face at far too young an age.
The first ride was a total of 7,400 miles to raise awareness about Domestic Violence and Childhood Sexual Abuse. The second ride was a total of 4,400 miles for Heroes: Wounded Warriors and Police & Firefighters killed in the line of duty. This current ride to stop Bullying and Adolescent Suicide, I have  logged nearly 5,500 miles. I have now ridden over 17,000 miles for kids. My eyes are now on the circumference of the earth at the equator, about 25,000 miles.
Riding around the globe for kids. It probably will take one thousand eighty days. I’m in no hurry, I’ve got nothing but time when it comes to kids.

I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I looked Bogart’s way to find newfound canine pal, Tiny Dot, laying next to him. Friends Rob and Sharon of San Francisco are looking after this good looking girl and Bogart has a friend to teach kind acts to for the next couple of days.
Today I stopped at Firehouse a Police Station and a couple of schools along my travels. I love connecting with safety forces, it is a carryover from my previous 4,400 mile ride.
Another day of kindness and gratitude on the books!

Jeffrey Hawkins, Site Coordinator of the Presidio Community YMCA, has a group of thirty, 4th-6th graders who are in his program for 3 hours each school day. He invited me to be a part of their day and share stories about my travels and having a goal of kindness in their lives. This class who does all sorts of creative projects after school sat quietly watching a short video of The Kindness Bus Tour in New York City. A montage of photos of my travels and Bogart’s book was read.
After the talk, some of the group took me for a bicycle ride to local parks. We talked about acts of kindness as we rode. What fun! One of the boys told me every act of kindness he performed along the way, from waving to people, to helping another child on the playground. At ride’s end, the tally of his acts of kindness stood at sixteen.
Looking for opportunities to perform acts of kindness all day long is a great mindset to have.
Thank you to one and all.
Bob Votruba and Bogart too!!