"What is the charity riding?"

While we were having a regular meeting, one of us suggested to participated in a charity ride event.

" I don't know what it is, but let's try a new experience. "

" How can I do this? "

"There will be a lot of things to prepare, but we have no information at all."

The talk ended with "Then, let's join the orientation meeting coming Mid-October."

At Watts cycling Yongin, October 21 in 2017, there were descriptions of various explanations about the riding event, specific information and charities " Anna House, " " Korean Autism Organization" " Korean Organization for Rear Diseases" "Korean Unwed Mothers and Families", and "Ronald McDonald House Charities".

The more I heard about the charities, the more mixed I felt. When I was young, I usd to donate regularly ...but now I am married and my life is focusing on my children and family. Nowaday, I have not been thinking of neighborhood around.

If I have been, that is I pay for the annual subscription fee for the Red Cross charity. So, I was impressed to this orientation and the representative of this chairty event. And then, I thought that I have taken the first step into the realization that can be helpful to others.

After attending the orientation session, I began to feel a lot of emotions. The only long distance ride was to ride to Misiryeong once a year.I have never been rode 530 km in two days. I began to spend the whole day for training and my team mates encouraged me. Because I had not enough time until D-day, I started commuting to my office by my bike and spent weekend for a long-distance ride.

I know I'm not good at though, I was eagered to help my team.... However, my conclusion was that it was impossible to complete the whole distance. Then, to where can I reach? I thought and thought. Finally, I aimed to complete at least the first day riding.

Finally, The event began.

The charity riding event was two-day ride from November 4 to 5. We went to Busan where was the start point.

Our team were divided into two teams, Team Rover 1 and Rover 2. And I was team 2. My team moved to Busan by supporting vehicle. The car had a problem on the highway, so we had to stop by mechanic shop and repaired the car. Fortunately, it was a minor problem. I thought we were lucky to find a problem promptly.

After arriving at Eulsukdo in Busan, we checked in at hotel and had dinner in order to success this 530km ride with members. At start point, we took a picture, collected snacks and supplies prepared by the host.

It had finally started.

My first goal was to arrive at the first destination, Hapcheon Changnyung Bridge.

But ....one of my teammates gave up the race at the early. "Ah-ha, he was the man who completed marathon full course a week ago". I knew that he was not recovered yet. I was back to my pace. But, I realized my teams were riding so fast. But, I was a slow rider...."So fast"...."So Fast"

I continued riding with them over 30 km/h. The time went by...an hour, two hours. I was still with them. I couldn't believe myself. "Is this the power of teamwork?? If this pace, I might be able to reach the first destination."

I was still riding, but I had no room to enjoy nature and landscape around. I only focused on my pace, staring at the back of the team. When I had a moment to look around, I could see other teams.

Along with them, we rided together and were sharing the journey. Everyone didn't seem to be tired excepting for me. They moved forward against a massive wind.

My legs started exhausted in the afternoon. My legs couldn't endure the team pace anymore. Nonetheless, my team encouraged me and cheered me " you can do it". They led me by slowing down and losing their pace. However, I said "It's over. I can't do anymore."

That was my limit. I told them my situation, and sent them ahead. And I decided to follow them slowly.

After that, I and one of Rover 2 moved to the first destination slowly. It was so peaceful, and we finally could enjoy nature around. It's time to tour. I knew myself that it was more suitable than racing.

I was still feeling legs pain though, I could ride. And I was still riding against strong wind. We did our best to reach Changnyeongbo Bridge. And, we arrived at Changnyeongbo Bridge safely.

When I reached the location, I felt the host's efforts to the event. They provided a lot of snacks and supplies for the event attendees. Unforetunately, I didn't take pictures of the scene because I was tired.

At the bridge, I stopped the challenge because I felt my body couldn't stand anymore. Wishing our teams finish this journey on behalf of me, we moved to restaurant for lunch. we found one near the area by GPS, it were really delicious.

After lunch, we moved to Nakdongbo Pension located in Sangju, Gyeongbuk-do.

On the first day, my team arrived first among entire teams. I was delightful to hear clapping around. We enjoyed the moments together having dinner with barbecue and beer. Bravo!

"CHARITY 2 DAY : THE END OF JOURNEY"

The second day began.

It was hard to get up. But, Team 1 already started after breakfast. Other teams also started, and some teams were preparing for departure. The day morning was too foggy to see ahead. I began to worry riders. Since we were in charge of supporting their riding ,we had to prepare well in case of emergency. At 7:40 a.m., the phone rang. ROVER 1 team said one of rider occured flat tire during riding. They said the organizer staffs couldn't directly reach them because of other team's trouble. We urgently headed to them. At that time, I felt proud thoroughly that we were perfectly prepared. When I arrived near the accident spot, we found our team members. Fortunately, they noticed us that it was not too big problem. When I saw the bicycle, the back tire tore, and the accident was caused by unpaved road. We convinced ourselves it was not a big problem, we were back to the support car. He was one of participants who was prepared the most for this charity event to successfully complete. It's sad. He said he felt same as well.

The rest of members continued riding toward the end of final destination, Watts cycling Hanam in Starfield. We left to the second destination, Ehwa-Ryung Hill to meet them.

At Ehwa-Ryung hill, we met them and talked about the following schedule and scheme, and then headed to the next destination.

In the car, we talked a lot about how we would end up with the rest of the event. And, we had a lunch at the restaurant which we had been visited before. After lunch, we reorganized team members. The man who gave up due to flat tire on the first day decided to join the team again with my bicycle. He could ride if he could switch his wheel to mine, so we asked changing wheel to mechanic at the second point. After a while, the mechanic arrived and we explained our situation. The mechinic started to fix his bicycle as soon as possible because wehad to join the team to be one of them.

We promised them to meet in Kang Chun Bo Bridge. The Rover team began riding again. And we waited for them at where we were supposed to meet.

At the last rest location, we had some foods for energy, and decided to meet at finish point, Watts Cycling Starfield. Traffic zam was so bad on weekend. I was nervous. Fortunately, I arrived on time and I prepared for greeting for our team members. While waiting for them, I had coffee and chocolates at Watts Cycling and took a picture.

After a few minutes, I answered a phone call and they said they would arrive in about 15 minutes. According to the call, they would finish this ride first as they did yesterday. However, they didn't show up after 15 minutes. What happening? I wondered it was because of cold and windy weather. I wanted to make a call,but I couldn't. Because it might cause a bigger accident.

After a while, the other team come first. I didnt' know who they were. I figured out they were the Belitz Brothers and their team. I Congratulated them and waited for my team again. I was not able to sit inside and went out to greet them.

After a while, I could see my teams coming "They are coming, my team is coming." Even it was night and invisible to see who they were, I instinctly knew they were my team.....finally they arrived. My heart was getting hot. We finally completed the whole ride. Even though I was not able to ride 100%, I really appreciated the team members who let me share the accomplishment.

Personally, I learned diffrent way to experience my limit, to enhance teamwork, and learned good experience of being together and how to donate in another way. Although I couldn't finish this event this year, I would like to challenge again next year.

Lastly, I would like to applause to the organizer, Korea Charity Committee, Watts Cycling, the five charities, and all the participants who participated in the event.

After a few days, we met again for dinner, and enjoyed time sharing memories and story.