Immigration | Ride for Human Rights

When we came to the lobby to load our gear, the Ride already had gotten attention.

We’d heard that a “school group” was in the hotel. Seeing no children, we thought we’d misunderstood.

We had misunderstood. It was a group of educators.

Cliff spotted us and volunteered that he’d noticed the Sprint 26, photographed our Ride sign, and intends to donate to Human Rights First.

Cliff, a dual citizen, immigrated from Canada. At present he’s a substitute teacher, recently having left a job in a Utah municipal government. Cliff shares our frustration at the pace of repair of American systems that most people agree are broken—including our immigration system. Moneyed interests seem to have the loudest voice in public policy debates.

After a wide-ranging discussion, Cliff had to leave to teach a language arts class. Then Jessica stopped by.

***Jessica, a school administrator, grew up in Connecticut. She wished us well on the Ride.***

Mathu (friends call him Mat) is a professional who helps people enjoy social and physical activity despite circumstances—such as physical or mental illness, poverty, and post-traumatic stress—that interfere. Of course he noticed our trike. His organization provides similar machines to people who need them to be active outdoors.

Mat recently did a risky multiple-day backcountry hiking trip. He understands the stress put on our families when we do something like his hike or our Rides. He gets why we want to do it anyway.

When we mentioned that a Beatles postcard, autographed by Jeffrey and me, will be mailed to every donor to Human Rights First via the Ride, Mat was delighted. He has been a Beatles fan since childhood. Mat’s card will depict his favorite Beatle: George Harrison.

***Katie, a school principal, happens to be Mat’s spouse. She joined the fun!***

Mat told us about a famous athlete who sets records not for glory, but to attract attention to her cause. That’s our philosophy too (although we set no records). It’s not about us. It’s about helping people who need help provided by Human Rights First. Please donate so HRF can keep providing it!

These and other conversations delayed our departure. Delay allowed the temperature to rise from +16F (-9C) to +20F (-7C). When we started our descent, at even 20 mph (32 kph), easily exceeded downhill, the wind-chill (“real-feel”) was +4F (-16C).

Jeffrey faced the cold in a shirt, a down jacket, a vest with pockets, a windbreaker, and a safety vest. He wore a cloth cap, the Illinois Pork hat that goes on every Ride, and a bike helmet. Of course he got cold. It goes with the territory.