PB&J: Pain Brings Joy

As a kid PB&J was the staple fuel for everything, school lunch, picnics, road trips, snacks it was the wonder food that worked wonders.  As I aged it was still a cornerstone of simple lunches, long distance ride fuel and recovery snacks.  As I think about my annual 65 mile trek across northern Arizona it is something else entirely.

Pain is often found in the training and prep to get ready for an epic day of off-roading with friends.  You must be challenged to grow.  That concept applies to your convictions as well as your fitness.  As for the fitness, I have tried the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon ride without training or preparation, lets just say I felt all of the PAIN concentrated in the death march which was the final 20 miles.  So, a fair amount of preparation can afford you the fitness to go out and do something weird, like ride a single speed, or a $12 vintage mountain bike or a gravel road bike to the finish line.  

The Joy of this effort is the delivery of goodness it brings to northern Arizona kids and Veterans.  The charity and fund raising portion of the ride started with caring Marines, seeing Pain in their communities and committing to bring Joy however they could.  The ride and Marine League Charities have grown up together, an unassuming pairing of thoughtful riders and community servants that now are permanently linked, as this is the largest fundraiser of the year.

You will not find more selfless, determined, volunteer stewards as those working for the Marine League Charities.  I trust them with the money I have donated and raised and they have consistently and tirelessly made the world a better place.  The inspirational lead was Hal Jensen, and the charity moves forward in his memory now.

You may joined me in years past, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009,  or this may be your first.  I want to continue my status as the receiver of Pain and deliverer of Joy.  

Please help by following this secure link, BRING IT in 2018!