I learned something important last week. To the east of my home, Red Top, the tallest mountain in Smoot, Wyoming, looms over the south end of the valley where I live. Two friends and I rode our bikes around it last Thursday morning (27.4 miles, 3,880 feet of climbing, and four hours of saddle time according to STRAVA). It all started at 6:00 A.M. when my coworkers/fellow adventurers pulled up to my home. I served them plant-based pancakes topped with fresh berries, bananas, and a deliciously sweet cashew and coconut cream sauce. After filling up and checking their bikes, we were off. The climb to the saddle of the peak behind Red Top required serious effort, as a few sections of the fourteen-mile climb were too steep and filled with rocks to ride. Being forced off our mountain bikes, we had to push through those difficult areas. Our ride provided multiple challenges, but the rewards for our efforts were as follows: meadows filled with wild flowers, gurgling brooks and cascading waterfalls, old-growth pines, barren peaks layered with rock formations in various shades of grey and red, snow-fed lakes, and an abundance of fresh mountain air. The experience was truly unforgettable. Not only did we share an adventure, but we were also able to connect with each other through the conversations we shared along the way. According to what I heard, my impression was they both were supremely appreciative to be there with me that day.
One part of my 12-step wellness challenge is to plan and carry out acts of service promoting wellness throughout this year. The most recent version of my life's ambition is to relieve all suffering caused by poor nutrition and unhealthy habits. Both friends that rode with me last week are not vegan or even come close to following what I consider to be a plant-based diet. In fact, one is an avid hunter, and I'm not optimistic about my chances of changing his mind about this subject. So, what did I accomplish? Was I a successful ambassador for the cause? It's possible I'll never know the answer to that question; however, being ten and fifteen years their senior, I was with and ahead of them during the majority of the ride. (This is no small feat considering both my friends are serious runners, fitness freaks, and coaches.) I spoke no words about the subjects of health or nutrition that day. Nonetheless, they knew that I'm a plant-based vegan, and when I revealed my age, fifty, they were both surprised and impressed. In the end, they loved the food and the ride. So, what was that big lesson learned? Today's experience taught me about how sometimes it's best to keep my mouth shut and let both the experience and the best example I can provide teach others about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
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