Day 10: Bordeaux -via train- Montpellier

The first leg of my trip is done (Paris -- Bordeaux) and I'm about to begin the second (Montpellier -- Nice). In this first segment two topics continue to arise: fear and the human spirit.

Throughout this week people have feared for me. But what exactly is it they fear? I think their fears may be grouped into three categories: 1) fear of nature, 2) concern of competence, and 3) fear of people. Fear of nature is a valid concern as the environment is far more powerful than any being. I may be attacked by a bear, stuck in a storm, or suffer heat exhaustion. But, this trip is across France, not the Himalayas or the Amazon. Some may fear because they question my competence: am I not strong enough, intelligent enough. They don't know I have been riding for 10+ years, biked across Georgia 9 times, and trained. They don't know I've traveled alone in Europe and Latin America, can figure out what to do in a problem, and ask for help when needed. It took a bit of problem solving to get from Tour to Royan, and though I was kicked off a train and told it wasn't possible, I didn't sit stranded. Finally, they fear other people -- I will be taken advantage of by a person. I find it sad that human beings hold back human beings -- what animal prevents their own kind from thriving? Regardless, this too is where my fear lies so I take extra precaution. Humans cannot prevent me from living.

But I also wonder to what extent is our fear justified? When do we simply fear the other, when those on the margins begin to take space, when someone doesn't fit in? Yes, gender is a factor, and race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, religion, etc. are factors too. What possibilities may arise if we didn't fear each other?

On the flip side, this week I have also witnessed stunning expressions of the human spirit. What are the Dutch boys doing now? Why did Patrick and Beatrice decide to help a stranger? Why do little French girls look at me in my kit and smile and wave? How did Gladys find the strength to open a hotel? What does Fabien see in the faces of dancers? I am again wondering how the idea to bike across France came about, and as a scientist, I am so taken by how nondeterministic the human spirit can be. The unexplainable, unpredictable, nonconforming is what I find most delightful in this world, and i think it's what will move society to a better place.

Greg texted me. He has to go to London to "see about a girl." He met her two weeks ago and bought a ticket on a whim. He's a law student and explained that's so unlike him -- do I think that's crazy?

Greg -- I think that's living.

Tomorrow I unite with my cycling comrades. The Tour comes to Montpellier! I will have my Cannondale and American flag ready.

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