As I was rolling into Tennessee today, I stopped in a church parking lot to grab a snack from inside my pack.  While I was snacking, a man on a motorcycle pulled into the parking lot for a water break himself. We introduced ourselves and then he asked me how far I was riding.  When I told him that I’m riding from Alabama to Montana he got really interested and started asking me lots of questions.

The man told me that he loved hiking and that he had always dreamed of thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.  He then paused for a moment and began to almost look sad. He said he wondered if he would ever really hike the trail or if it would always just remain a dream.

Next, with a very serious look on his face he asked me how I got to the point of actually beginning this journey that I’m on. I thought about it for a minute and then said “you just have to fully commit to it and just do it.”

I believe that too often in life we let things, even important things get in the way of our biggest dreams.  I’m a firm believer that when you follow your heart (while also using your brain some) you will make your greatest strides and contributions.

So what’s that big hairy audacious goal or dream that you secretly dream about at night?

Whatever it is, you owe it to yourself and the rest of the world to pursue it. Don’t worry about what other people will think. Don’t stress about every single tiny detail, just fully commit and go for it! Having every single detail imaginable figured out is nowhere near as important as being fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get to your goal.

One of my big goals as I ride my bike from Alabama to Montana is to raise $100,000 for Neverthirst. I want to see lives changed here on earth and eternally. Every time I get uncomfortable or tired on the bike, I think about the 4,000 children who will die today simply because they lack access to clean water.  This is not acceptable, especially when as a community and society we have the means to change this.

Please go to this link to make a donation to Neverthirst:

http://www.neverthirstwater.org/waging-war-on-normal

Spread the word! Tell your friends! Be bold! Make a difference!

– Robert