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.
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