Like most undertakings in life we don’t know exactly how they are going to play out. There’s always unexpected turns of events that surprise us in anything we do. Especially when we decide to put our lives on hold for something so worth while. My decision to do this beautiful, physically and mentally demanding test came in two parts. Part one: making the choice to ride for girls that have been either sold or trafficked into the nasty realities of the sex trade. That was the purpose! The reward that came along with the purpose was part two: This part held the most power in not just my heart, but for the riders involved, their families and people that watched from city streets and country side roads, some of them wondering maybe “who are these people” and why? The why was found when two lovely spirits joined our group after crossing the Vietnam border into Cambodia (Theara and Vouern) The two girls are survivors and global change agents against the fight against modern day slavery. That wasn’t who they were as people though. As people they are just like us, and I’m proud to say on behalf of the group of riders we rode with that love in our hearts and just a willingness to make a difference, they are one and the same. Even though in their lives they’ve had to surmount a lot more than the average of any person on this earth, they have a love inside them that just radiates with a relentless willingness to change others that have gone through similar circumstances . I don’t want to make a list of names because that would take away from the full significance of what we rode for. We rode for not only our own beliefs but for the countless other people that are effected by this global issue. As much emotions were shared, many happy times were shared as well. After exposing our feelings to one another a transmutation of energy shifted. People let their guard down more and showed the pure humanness that we all share as a global community. Dancing, singing in dirty bike gear…All just acting as an alliance of love towards a goal that seems hard to fight at times when many of us in the world don’t get to see certain aspects of what the severity of the crime inflicts on the human heart. I could go deeper, but I’m going to use this life experience to just be more present, ask more questions and no matter what just make everyday count. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people behind the scenes that make this wheel turn. Lives are being changed through people that aren’t on the bikes as well, it’s people like Somaly that is dealing with government officials, people that devote their time to help nurture the newly suffered and propel the ones that are ready to be reintegrated into society to thrive like they deserve. I’m proud of everyone I cried with, doesn’t it feel good just to make a stand for what’s right! Today is a good day for many, but for many it’s not, it’s one of suffering . But to know that dents are being drilled with force into a crime that will one day come to an end, hopefully in our lifetime, wouldn’t that be something amazing!! Don’t waste time, don’t be afraid. The eyes and souls the riders saw brought out more momentum. It doesn’t have to be a bike ride, but maybe,,,just maybe see what you can do to help someone out today that needs your help.
LOVE RYAN.