Like most kids of the ’80’s I logged countless miles on my bike hanging out with friends. In high school I discovered running. Later as an “adult” I rediscovered running. I ran half marathons, 200-mile relays and everything in between.
The evening after Carson’s service I met Mark. Mark is the father of Carson’s girlfriend. Mark told me how he was inspired by the service to ride a 100-mile bike ride. He had always wanted to do it, but it had become his Why Not moment. After thinking about it I told him I was in. It became my Why Not too.
Later, I wondered what in the hell I had gotten myself into? 100 miles sounded unbelievably challenging. I did the math in my head and it scared me even more.
My training began on the bike I owned, a 20+ year-old mountain bike. I equate it to riding a 1970’s station wagon, big, bulky, and slow.
Three weeks into my training I was committed. The mountain bike was traded out for a proper road bike.
My long rides increased every week. 20 miles. 30 miles. Eventually 70+ mile outings.
2o weeks later 13 members of Team Why Not crossed the finish line together in Little Rock. I am proud to say I was one of those riders.
Why Not.
- Dennis Bonifer
