Seems all of the young people on social media do a why last year was the
best year of my life. And while I usually go through life kicking and
screaming with as much resistance to change as possible last year was a
awesome year.
The year started off kind of discouraging medically
and coming off of the high and lows of moving again, and getting turned
own for the Cycling Committee. But I didn’t let that stop me. I was
asked to join a gaming clan something I thought at my age would be next
to impossible but there was something else stirring in me. In March that
stirring was set into motion when I signed up to be a
volunteer/connector with Everyone Rides Initiative. At first I thought
this was just going to be helping out with group rides but it turned out
to be so much more with outreaches and working with partner
organizations.
In April at the Annual Meeting I strengthened my
commitment to Cycle Hamilton and asked to be invovled with volunteering
which I still want to do more hint hint I am pretty good at stuffing
envelopes).
The people I have met through Cycle Hamilton and
Everyone Rides Initiative are amazing. I have learned so much about
safer cycling, cycling infrastructure and advocacy that I could have
never learned on my own.
In June, a call went out for allies for
the annual Pride Celebrations, but I had already committed to the Pride
Ride from Carter Park to Gage Park The ride was uneventful and was
learning expereince for me as I got to learn that a lot of parents
didn’t think the bike lanes were safe for their children. I found out a
artist that I grew up listening to was performing and mentioned that I
would like to see her toa cycling friend Jamieand her reply was “Who?”
Seems Carole Pope was a little before her time. Which turned into a joke
about my age. When we arrived at Gage Park I wondered around was just
settling in to listen to one of the performers when I caught a couple of
yellow vests walking across the park. I tried to stay in between them
and the celebration. When I got to where the trouble was I saw people
harrassing and fighting with people.
On that day I was changed. I
had never really given how my religious beliefs and thoughts harmed my
relationship building with others. I took a stand on that day to be an
ally and a friend. This started my education of listening to people both
over coffee and online and just being present.
The next group
ride was the Pride Rally Ride from Powell Park to City Hall. I promoted
this through my facebook page. One of my friends from religious circles
made a hurtful, hateful response that I didn’t notice until I got home
because I went for a longer ride before the group ride. I was shaken and
didn’t know how to react at first. I reached out to another friend
actually my oldest friend and asked for advice, we got together for
coffee and discussed it. He also agreed to keep a eye on my facebook and
alert me with a text or call if something like that happened again.
After responding with ‘no one who should be made to feel ashamed for who
they love’ I put them on a time out for 30 days and unfollowed them. I
apologized to anyone who may have seen the post and that it was allowed
to stay up as long as it did.
I made a decision to stand against hate
and take my place standing for Peace, Love, Acceptance, Inclusion and
Diversity and this is how I spent my Saturdays. It’s not always easy and
there has been a little bit of violence and a few superhero types that
think they can swoop in say a few words then go about their lives. It
has helped strengthen and build community.
I reconnected with my
sister who lives in another province and we went for a ride and talked
about cycling, infrastructure family and my niece Piper. I reconnected
with Piper over text messages and we haven’t talked near as much as I
would like but that is ok. She knows I love and support her and that I
am there if she ever needs talk.
Stay tuned for part 2.
