Follow the logic ... we understand in our culture that if you get paid to do a sport you are considered a pro - right? Well, then I have officially considered myself a pro bike rider. I also need to confess that I have become addicted to something bizarre.
To keep my mental sanity, I enjoy riding my bike. There are few things better (at least to me) then getting on my bike and hammering out a few miles to clear the mind.
My claim to pro and my confession to becoming addicted happened last fall. My son was collecting cans to support a student his class was sponsoring from the Philippines. When I would go for bike rides my eyes became increasingly focused on the ditch searching for the prized pop or beer cans that had been left behind.
I would come home to the celebration of Luke and Ella as they would count each can I slipped from my jersery or back pack. So far this year I have over 120 cans all from the same stretch of road. Since I have picked up at least one can every ride this year so far, I consider myself sponsored by some of the biggest names out there (Bud, Bush, Coors, Coke, Mountain Dew).
Crazy as this must seem it has made me do a lot of thinking. First, what thrill is it for the person who just randomly whips out a can as they drive. I have not done it yet, but I plan to go some night with some of the empty cans that I have collected and whip them out my window. I want to see if there is some euphoric experience that accompanies this habitual litering. I just don't get it! Now, I promise after I attempt this wild and crazy stunt, I will pick up the cans - I am too frugile to let them stay along the road.
Another observation. The same types of cans are usually found in the same locations. We are such creatures of habit. I can picture the person heading home from work; stopping to pick their favorite brew and finishing it at the same point each day (or weekend).
Third, I am addicted! I try to ride and keep my eyes off the ditch but I just can't. I don't know if it is the thrill of the hunt, the greediness of finding 10 cents or if I am losing my mind.
So, if you are one of those people who get a rush and thrill whipping out a can as you drive, I welcome you to just bring your cans to my house. I will gladly return them and continue to support charities.
God has given us a wonderful and beautiful creation. It saddens me that our road ways are litered with the remains of the vices that plague us deeply - alcohol cans and bottles and cigarettes packs. I will do my part and keep picking up the cans along my rides. I hope you will think about this to - you also can become a pro (and an addict) to doing your part to be a good steward of God's creation.
