May 9th, 2011
Remember the Wounded Ride pt.1…
Some may wonder why a church would support a bike rider that seeks to raise awareness and money for wounded combat veterans in a politically super-charged pro/con war environment. The answer is simple. Scot King does not ride for politics, ideology, for or against war. Scot rides for people, plain and simple. I (Dan Waits) believe that there was another man that was all about people. He refused to give in to the gravitational pull of religion and political ideologies – He saw individuals. That man also said that there is no higher love that one would lay down their life for another. Personally, I believe that applies to all those that put their lives on the line and lose their life, or get seriously wounded because they passionately love their country.
On Saturday, May 7th, about fifteen (15) people, and one very inspiring double amputee, rode the first trek of a two year ride; from the capitol building in Salem, to The Outer Rim Bicycle store at 106th and Halsey in Northeast Portland. When released from our Oregon City police escort, we turned onto an out of the way bike path that parallels the Clackamas river. Scot and I were in front riding side by side when we rounded a corner and there was a (clearly) homeless man. He stood straight and saluted – we thought it odd and waved back. The next words spoken came from the man, and stunned us. He said, “Thank you and God bless you Scot.” No big deal right? Wrong. There was nothing on Scot, his bike, trailer, or any of his bags that identified him as “the guy”, let alone his first name. Scot said to me, “That’s really cool, the word is getting out.” I said, “Scot, he called you by name. How does a homeless guy know your first name?”
We both had a sudden realization…the entire purpose and goal of this organization (yes, it has grown that much), had just been realized half way through the first trek of a two year bike ride. Remember the wounded ride and organization is all about people. It’s about that man, and that woman that chose to put their life on hold, go into combat, and for many, pay an extremely high price. Many have paid the ultimate price. Politics are irrelevant. Scot rides for people. Churches exist for people.
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