Last week, I interviewed these two friends–Zach and Thomas–who are biking across the country to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
They have called themselves R.I.S.E. — Revolution Inspired by Self Evolution. And their creed is this — “Creativity, compassion, community, & collaboration will always rise above competition.” How incredible is that?
As we sat in the Blue Moon and talked over our styrofoam coffee cups, I was so moved by their mission and their huge hearts. Both of them have lost brothers to suicide and although they know it’s a rough road, they are determined to share their stories and help others.
They began their ride in March at the Golden Gate Bridge and will conclude, more than 7,000 miles and 7 months later, in New York City. They will visit more than 110 cities and talk with schools, suicide prevention groups, friends and family along the way. What a ride! I was honored to meet them when they stopped in Hastings for a day.
One of the most powerful things they shared with me was the simple fact that they are living for the journey. They are living for each and every day, for every conversation and new friend they meet, for every town they roll through, for every energy drink, every high school assembly, every thunderstorm, every cup of coffee. They are not looking to make headlines or history, but simply to share their hearts. They left behind their jobs and friends in Scottsdale, Arizona to meet the long and open road, and they have done so with courage.
Be sure to check out their route, read their story and follow their blog.
