“Living is believing in the impossible” - a note left on the wishing wheel

Sometimes I wonder if I’m crazy for doing what I’m about to do: I’ve never gone on a multi-day bike trip, I have never done this kind of thing by myself, and I’m a novice bike mechanic at best. Sane Emily says these are things I should be worried about. Crazy Emily says “who cares?”

But as my friend Lalo told me the other day, “crazy can be good”

The more I push forward with positive intention and belief in what I’m doing, the more I am gaining confidence in it – crazy or not. Much of this confidence is thanks to those around me who have been incredible sources of support and generosity.

Last night, I held a fundraiser for the bike tour where we had performances, a live auction, and my personal favourite, the Wishing Wheels – where friends could write me wishes and wisdom for the road and attach them to my bike. I was blown away by the positive energy of the event: the turnout was great, the auction a smashing success, and the wishes were both insightful and hilarious.

I am truly in awe of how lucky I am to be surrounded by so many amazing, supportive, and generous people. For anyone who says Torontonians are cold, they have some more exploring to do.

A huge thanks to all those who donated items for the auction and to those who donated their time be it at the door (Adrienne & Kate), pre-event crafts (Kate), musical performances (Lukas, Brian, Ian, Lindsay, and Tristan), auctioneering (Heather) and on bar/last minute beer runs (Yoani). You are all amazing! And a big thank you to all who came out to show their support – it means the world to me.

As I pedaled home last night, my bike peppered with leaflets of well wishes (being too tired to remove them), I am sure anyone on the street would have taken me for a crazy person.

I sure felt crazy.

And I sure felt alive.