The official Dancing Deer Baking Company Blog

Trying to explain how important or impressive my mom and her ideas (such as a 1500 mile bike ride for homelessness) are, have turned out to be a regular occurrence in my life. I find it hard to say anything about her, even in passing, without throwing a word or two in about how inspiring, impressive, slightly insane and kind hearted she is. This ride has become one in a slew of stories by which I can depict the many ways my mom practices what she preaches.

This bike ride, for me, has become more than just my in-shape mother finding another out-of-the-box way to take a whack at societies problems. To me, this is the best example of everything my mom has ever taught me. The golden rule, karma, genuine care and confidence in other people and an entirely positive outlook on life are rules by which my mom has instilled in the very core of my worldview. This bike ride is the culmination of all of that, and the best way I can explain my mother to other people. By reading her blog every day, I find a growing sense of pride in being able to tell everyone I am her daughter. But beyond that, I have a picture, that is growing clearer by the day, of what I strive to become in my own life, and that I hope other people do as well.

Homelessness is not something to be taken lightly, or put into the ever-growing basket of problems society will never be able to fix. The hardships and effects of homelessness are inconceivable to me. I have been lucky enough to have parents who have always been able to provide food, shelter and warmth to every day of my life. But what I hope, is that this ride, and my mother’s ambitions will help to bring a little light into the life of the residents of all the shelters my mom visits. Not only light, but hope, that they are not being forgotten or looked down upon because of their situation. And even more than that, I hope it gives the kids, and the parents something to strive for. I have been lucky enough to have a role model like my mom to give me something to stride for. I wake up every day in my dorm room, and before I go to class check my “where’s Trish tracker” just to make sure she’s still going, and will make it to Lancaster in one piece.

So for me, this ride is another story in my book of how impressed I am with my mom. But I hope that everyone that she sees, touches, or passes on the road, this ride is a little light of hope, a glimmer of something happy to keep them going, and remind them that with the help of people like my mother, better days are to come. I love you mom. Good luck. See you soon!