“Cyclist Needs Help”
Portola State Park (CA)
I don’t like relying on others. I don’t like asking people to take time out of their day to help me with something that I can do if I only had the proper means to do it myself. I’d like to think I’m pretty independent—having lived on my own for quite sometime, especially being nomadic for the last 4.5 years. I find that I can take care of myself in the most extreme circumstances, but I realize that I cannot do everything on my own. I must ask for help. I must put aside my pride and accept those who are willing to extend their hand in providing a good act towards yours truly.
I love helping others. I believe in the Golden Rule. I’d rather help others than receive help from others. Wait, did I just say that? Is that alright to confess? Wait, does that make me an asshole? Big headed? Wait, I need to think about this. I’m going to leave this thought now and come back to this…
I was making signs with a Sharpie on a few sheets of letter-size pieces of paper in the main office of Portola State Park.
“CYCLIST NEEDS HELP! Broken spoke on bike. Need lift to Half Moon Bay on Sunday (11/4). Will pay for gas. I’m at campsite #2. Thanks!”
As I was finishing up my last sign, a father and daughter walked in and registered for their campsite. He must have seen what I was writing and asked me a few questions about my situation. With some back and forth, he offered to take me to Half Moon Bay on Sunday.
I hesitated at first, telling him I’m working on a few options and that I’d find him at his campsite if things didn’t work out. Well, things didn’t work out. I walked down to him and his daughter at their campsite and brought up his offer. I said, “A ride would be great. I appreciate it. I’ll find you in the morning.” The next day, Chris drove me to Half Moon Bay. Getting back to my place, I drove my car back to Portola to grab my bike.
I hope Chris takes me up on my offer—to buy him and his family a meal the next time they are in Half Moon Bay.
Humans have been able to survive for countless generations from the help of others—from those reaching out a hand to provide their fellow brothers or sisters support in times of need. I believe that in order to move forward as a society, as one planet, we need to learn to ask for help or know when to offer our hand. Doing this, we progress in our effort in being kind and good-hearted.
