It’s late and I’m so tired, and tomorrow morning we leave on the Rally and even though I’ve been in bed early for months now, suddenly tonight when it would really help to get a big sleep, I’m not tired at all. What I am is anxious. Super anxious. I’m still going to make this short I think because I think the best thing I can do is lie in bed and try to sleep.
The day before the Rally is “Packing Day”. You gather up everything you need for the six days of the Rally (including a tent and a sleeping bag and a chair and a plate and your knitting and clothes) and you take it down to the appointed packing place, and you get two bins, and you put all the worldly goods you will possess for the next week into them, and then you put them on a truck, and then they close the truck. Tomorrow, while all the cyclists make their way to the end of “Day One” the trucks will drive our stuff to that stopping place, and that’s where you’re reunited. It’s a weird day – so many things I always have with me (my bag, my favourite shoes, my sock knitting, my real toothbrush) are all on the truck, and it feels weird to not have them. It’s a ton of pressure too, All I will have for the next week is in those two bins and the only things I can bring tomorrow are what will fit in my pockets.
Still, Team Knit showed up and we put our stuff in the bins and we all took deep breaths and we tried not to think about the challenge ahead. In one way it’s so good to be together and see each other and have things be “normal”, and in the other, nothing is normal, we’re all under some sort of strain and not a single one of us feels ready, or confident, or prepared for this challenge. Today as I put my stuff in my bins and looked around me at what we’re about to undertake I’ve never felt less ready. As a group, we are undertrained, underprepared, and more than a little freaked out. This Rally feels less like the before-times than we were hoping so far, but it does feel like hope.
I don’t know what else to tell you about what it feels like to be on the cusp of this thing again after so long a break. I can tell you that I am definitely afraid. We’re about to do something really, really hard, and I am absolutely scared – but I tell you something that I realized tonight in conversation with a dear friend – it also feels pretty amazing.
I have – like almost all of us, spent the last few years watching terrible things happen to people and feeling impotent to change anything, to make anything better, to make tragedy stop unfolding, to staunch to hard times for fellow humans, but the Rally changes that and fundraising for this ride has been a wonderful outlet and relief.
The funds raised by this ride go to making a direct and fundamental changes in the lives of people with AIDS. It is help for mothers, food for children, rides to the doctor, someone who cares if they are lonely, support, love, care, haircuts, pet food, hospital visits, childcare… Every dollar you donate makes a real, tangible and important change in the life of another human, and that… Well I guess that I can get on a bike for that.
Team Knit is off – and we are so grateful for every donation, every dollar that you send to support our ride. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, us riding to Montreal makes no change in the world. It is your donations that give meaning to what we do. I’m going to slide our links in here again because we’re not quite at our goals –
And I want you to know that if you’re able to donate or help in any way – passing this post on to another person, helping spread the word on social media, talking about PWA to anyone, that this action, this thing makes you so important. It means that you as a person chose to change the life of another person, and in a time when we all have so little control, doesn’t that feel amazing?
Thank you. We think you’re important.
PS: I have never figured out how to blog from afar- the best place to follow the ride this week is on Instagram.
PPS: I didn’t even finish the poncho can you believe it.
I think you four are amazing. When my pay deposits Wednesday I’ll send some your way. The poncho will still be there!
May the wind always be at your back!
CONGRATULATIONS on reaching and outperforming your fundraising expectations!
You’ve got this. You’ve all got this.
You can do it! The financial help that you’re generating is immeasurable.
You’ll do it. You’ve done it before and know how to pace yourself. Half the battle won.
May the wind be at your back, and the sky just cloudy enough so that you don’t bake. We believe in you, and thank you and Team Knit for doing the heavy lifting (or pedaling). Y’all can DO THIS!
While you’re slogging uphill, remind yourself that along with doing good for others, you’re also earning the right to put your feet up, enjoy a glass of wine, and knit as much as you want every day for the rest of the summer…and fall…and winter.
Plus you get a whole week with Ken!
Just a reminder that every donation makes Steph’s phone ding while she’s riding.
I think we should annoy her as much as possible.
Sounds like a plan!!! 🙂
We’e probably annoyed the hell out of her – everyone on Team Knit has exceeded their goal with 2 (or 3?) days remaining! Keep making those phones ding for motivation!
Go Team Knit! A lot of people are behind you, cheering you on. You all are so brave!
I’m told the yarn shops of Montreal are waiting for you. Go, Team Knit, go!
You can do it! May the wind be at your back and the rain stay away. Thank you for making a difference in so many lives.
You can do it!!!
As they say in Kdramas, fighting (hwaiting)! And in the Cdramas, jiayou!
Just remember to take it a step at a time, stay in the moment and stay hydrated!
You are much appreciated and loved by us all.
Oh, drat — I really need a hemp poncho. Guess I’ll have to be satisfied with my Ukraine chameleon scarf, blue dominates one side, yellow the other. It’s actually finished, I just keep dawdling about trimming off the fringe so all the threads are the same length.
Just sent everyone on Team Knit a bit of support. Not much, but just like in knitting, many tiny stitches add up to something wonderful.
GO TEAM KNIT!! Sending love and support to all of you
♥♥♥♥♥
Wishing Team Knit a good rally!
Ride like the Wind and Knit like the Wind!
Your essay from some years ago about it being difficult and doing it anyway– and about many small things adding up to a big thing– has gotten me through some Times. You are stronger than the distance.
Ride well. Be safe.
HOORAY! Everyone on Team Knit has exceeded their fundraising goal! Keep on donating while they pedal – every ‘ding’ on their phone provides incentive, and the amazing totals continue to amaze the PWA leaders! Well done, Blog!
I’ve heard that the yarn stores in Montreal are eagerly awaiting your arrival. Team Knit, you’ve got this!
I’m not trying to say that the Bike Rally and Basic Training is the same, but I definitely know what you mean by “I am absolutely scared… it also feels pretty amazing.”
(One of) The hardest thing(s) I have ever done was drive up to the gates of the building where basic training is held, knowing that the hard thing was going to last 12 weeks.
But I did it. And holy crap I am *still* proud of myself.
And you should be too 🙂
Rock on. ❤️
CONGRATULATIONS on exceeding your fund raising goals!
How did it go?
Such an informative post. The article is really helpful. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and experience.
I haven’t read your blog in a long time – just read the last 3 posts and wonder, “Why not?” Thanks for posting. I love reading you. Sorry Ken moved away.
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I hope you are ok, it’s been a while since you posted! I’m sure some are worried for you.
Checking in as a concerned follower and fan – are you ok?
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Amidst the logistical complications, I can’t help but reflect on the parallels between this trip and the challenges I faced while working on the IB Extended Essay. Just as I meticulously packed my essentials for the Rally, the extended essay required a thorough and systematic approach. Every element, be it introduction, methodology or conclusion. My research and writing was entrusted to https://top-papers.com/ib-extended-essay-help/ and it was thanks to this service that I was able to devote more time to my hobby.
Rally is very cool indeed. And, naturally, you are worried before such an event. Perhaps you are interested in logistics issues? By the way, this is a very cool site Here I found information about the top 12 logistics software companies. Agree, it is always somehow difficult to choose such a company, because you need to take into account many factors. And the employees of this particular platform conducted a comprehensive review of the leading platforms and compiled a comprehensive list of companies, which greatly helped me make the right choice.
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Sounds like a super anxious night! Hope you get some sleep before the Rally.plants vs brainrots
I’ve been part of fundraisers like this, and there’s something grounding about turning all that helplessness into real, practical help for people who need it. Even as someone new to learning about these rides, it reminds me of fnf (fun rhythm game): the ride is the beat, but the donations are what actually make the music matter.
It was truly inspiring to see that, despite the anxiety and fear, the team faced the challenge together, fnf mods, and simultaneously made a real impact on the lives of others.
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oh, i totally relate to that pre-trip anxiety! there’s something about the night before a big adventure when sleep just won’t come, no matter how tired you are. your brain just won’t quiet down with all the “did i pack everything?” and “what am i forgetting?” thoughts.
the packing day ritual sounds so organized though – two bins for six days of life. that’s actually kind of freeing in a way, isn’t it? having everything simplified down to just what fits in those bins. i hope you managed to get some rest eventually, and that the rally was everything you hoped it would be. the combination of cycling and knitting sounds like such a wonderful community to be part of. safe travels and happy stitching!
i completely understand that pre-trip anxiety! there’s always that one night before a big adventure when sleep just won’t come, no matter how tired you are. the anticipation just takes over.
good luck with the rally! it sounds like you have a solid system with the packing bins – two bins for six days seems like a good challenge. at least you’ll have your knitting to keep you company during the evenings. that’s the beauty of these long cycling events, right? the simple life for a week, just you and your yarn and the open road.
try to get some rest if you can – those early days of a tour are always better when you’re not running on empty. have a great time out there!
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Your courage to face anxiety head-on and channel it into hope is heartfelt and inspiring. The raw vulnerability you share, paired with the Rally’s purpose—to uplift others through AIDS advocacy—adds profound meaning. Even in feeling unprepared, your determination shines. This story isn’t just about a ride; it’s about resilience, community, and the power of collective action to turn fear into purpose. Thank you for embracing the challenge and reminding us how small steps can ripple into change. Your journey feels both deeply personal and universally uplifting. soflo wheelie life