We May Be Nuts But We Weren't Kidding

Adam and I received all types of responses when we first started talking to people about our cross country bike trip. Our goal? To raise awareness about the impact a bicycle can have on a family in Africa, an at-risk child in the U.S., or a disabled U.S. Veteran, and to raise money for groups that help people in need buy bikes.

People thought we were nuts, people thought we were courageous, people just thought we were kidding.

Now that we're more than three weeks in, I can tell you all responses are accurate and fair. Any way you view this trip, you're right. I don't know how many times Adam and I have asked ourselves, "What the heck are we doing?"

The vastness of this trip really set in about a week and half before we were set to fly to San Diego for the start of the trip. All 50 states? An entire year of our lives? Up until then, I think we may have even thought the trip was a dream. Once this feeling set in, though, the stress level might be comparable to a couple ready to buy their first house.

It's exciting (or so we've heard), nerve-racking, hard work, but the pay-off is so worth it. Adam and I, though newly-engaged, weren't ready to take that step to buying our first house, but we were ready to do something.

I remember at my wedding shower, one of my aunts almost cried because she just didn't understand all the sleeping bags, solar chargers, and water sterilization pens I was receiving. Even with some people thinking we were a little crazy to quit our jobs, we had a lot of support from many people telling us this is the time to do it. We thought about teaching English abroad, we thought about the Peace Corps, but the thing that makes this trip perfect is that it's a way of giving back and we're able to do what we enjoy doing together.

So sure, so far there have been plenty of times we've looked at each other with eyes that confirm we are nuts, but so much more often we'll let out a yelp of excitement on a big downhill, enjoy the simplicity as we eat our morning oatmeal in the tent, or smile at each other after a long day on the bike.

Christy and Adam are currently in New Mexico. To find out more, check out their blog at http://giveabike.blogspot.com/ or their Facebook Page at https:/ /www.facebook.com/giveabike. Christy will be writing occasional stories for Patch as she and her husband make their way through the U.S.

Madison Patch is proud to be the Connecticut sponsor for Adam and Christy's trip. If you'd like to sponsor their trip, visit this page on their website.