Jerry Knoodle

May 18, 2015

Greetings from the white line,

Enthusiasm; from the Greek ‘en theos’ meaning ‘in God’.

I have never finished a conversation with Jerry Knoodle where I didn’t walk away smiling.  Even writing this, a few hundred miles from where he is sleeping on the ground, I am grinning, just thinking of our last conversation.

When you meet Jerry you will guess his age and be wrong by a decade.  I think he has stayed young by long distance running and biking and taking care of himself, but he has another strength which I think has made the difference. 

Jerry is a father and a grandfather, has led a full and successful life, and yet what strikes me about him is his child-like presence.  Not simply innocence, but this genuine eagerness about what the moment has to offer.  It may seem like an odd way to describe someone in their sixth decade that way, but it is that openness, that light, that I notice about my friend.

Everyone who meets him says the same thing: ‘Man, he is such a nice guy.’  Until you get to have a conversation with him, let me tell you where this impression comes from.  It’s not just that he always is interested in what is happening in your life, or what is on your mind, it is that Jerry always leaves you with this feeling of enthusiasm.

He is positive and encouraging, always has a smile to share.  No exchange ever ends without an inspiring word, but in a conversational tone; more Jerry Knoodle and less Tony Robbins.

The last time we talked Jerry’s eyes were alive and sparkling, and his excitement was infectious.

Jerry decided that he would start his retirement by riding his bicycle across the country.   Not county; COUNTRY.   Maine to California.  That country.  He was clocking out and doing exactly what he dreamed of.

Anyone who has swung their leg over the saddle and looked at that long ribbon of road stretching out to the next hill or the next town or over the horizon will know this excitement.  Jerry, with his friend Tom, is seeing the country and its people from the perfect position, at the perfect pace.

I will admit that it is hard for me not to be envious of Jerry’s adventure.  But more powerful than that is the connection we have, and the understanding of my role on this side of the white line. 

I have run hundreds of races over the years, and I have come to understand the bond, the implicit agreement between the runners on the course, and the people who line the roads to cheer them on.

Some folks are cheering on friends and family, others simply want to be part of the experience, to feel the energy and excitement of the competition.  And some are athletes who for this time are spectators, but who know the value of supporting the men and women out hitting the pavement, testing themselves.

You don’t have to ride your bike across the country, or skydive, or run ten miles, to appreciate the adventure when you see it.  We can be part of it, be affected by it in a positive way when we support those in the middle of it.  There is the vicarious reward, but it’s more than that.  The rich experiences come to us through our compact with the adventurers, and we are changed in a positive way.

When you travel by bicycle you are in the environment, not separated by glass and steel.  Bicycle tourists attract attention in the small towns they frequent.  Conversations in cafes, at roadside fruit stands, in little bike shops, at front porches, on mountain passes.  There is a steep price for admission, but it is worth it.

Here’s some really good news.  As happy as I am to think of my friend out there living this amazing experience, what is even more exciting is this: over the next few months countless people will meet Jerry and be better for it.

Everyone who has ever been on the road now has this connection with Jerry.  He and Tom are in our community, and whether we are on the road or in between tours, we are linked.  Join me in sending best wishes and prayers for a safe journey for both of them.

Hope this finds you en theos,

David

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Copyright © 2015 David Smith