When an intrepid friend proposed a 26.5 mile hike through San Francisco, I was excited for the adventure of the stops, but not for the idea of walking throughout the city. He always had brillant ideas, but this one with walking for more than 12 hours (sunrise to sundown) was unappealing.

Fortunately, he provided an alternative. To be a roadie. Or as he termed it the “Best People Ever” committee who would provide support at all the stops, provide the morale boost for people, and serve as emergency backup.

I signed up immediately. A friend later joined me, but wasn’t as ambitious as I was. For me, the motivation was startling. I enjoyed playing in the background—cheering for people as they reached the checkpoints, providing the food and water for each individual’s boost…and especially being able to rest between checkpoints. Because unlike the general participant, I could drive or ride my bike. Because I knew the city well, I knew where to park (for free!) and how to get around generally effortlessly.

During one of the most busy weekends in San Francisco…I avoided traffic and parking crunch. I swerved here and there by bike, shouting cheers and providing rides for the suddenly disabled.

Sure there were a few moments where I suddenly was alone and lonely, knowing that the rest of the crew (numbering over 20) was out participating in an activity that I did not participate in because I wasn’t walking. But the idea that I could help them, support them…was motivating. That I could use something that I was good at—navigating the city by other means—to plan the day.

taken by Chloe

I love saying this:

Feet were not made to walk. They were made to push the pedal.