My son and I participate in a charity
event benefiting Multiple Sclerosis research, encompassing a 150 mile bicycle ride
from Cherry Hill, NJ to Ocean City, NJ and back over 2 days. I've done it for several
years every Sept. and find it challenging, enjoyable and satisfying. Two years ago,
as I was at the very beginning of the ride, mile 1, I passed a fragile looking Oriental
woman who appeared to be in her 70's. She was riding an old fashioned girl's bike
and wearing a dress. Understand that over 6000 cyclists ride in this annual event,
most of whom have expensive bikes and wear special clothing. It was apparent she
gave no thought at all to the fact she looked somewhat out of place or that she
was being passed by absolutely everyone in the field.
I didn't give her much thought the remainder of the day and finished day one by
about 1:30 in the afternoon. My wife picked us up at the finish line and we went
to our hotel to get cleaned up. We showered and relaxed for a while and decided
to head back to the boardwalk to get some dinner. Our driving route took us through
the last two or three miles of the bicycling course and at about 5:30 in the evening
we saw the out of place, little old lady, just coming in to the finish line. She
had ridden a little over 75 miles in about 11 hours.
I thought to myself what a lesson in persistence. Her pace seemed terribly slow
but she kept on keeping on and didn't give up. Slowly, one mile, one turn of the
pedals at a time she conquered the course. This frail little old woman refused to
be beaten and accomplished a physical feat that physically tests me each time I
do it.
I had forgotten this story for some time and was going through some pictures posted
by the organization from this past September's event, and I found her picture. It
reminded me of the story and I thought to myself what an inspiration to all of us
who are currently setting our goals. We need only to follow the example of this
woman: keep our minds keenly tuned to our goal, and one step at a time, with persistent
effort, we're sure to get there.
- Contributed by Chris B., New Jersey
Thanks Chris. Outstanding example of persistence!