Outside Looking In: Steve

One of a series of posts featuring someone on the outside looking in.  Special thanks to Steve for sharing your take on Arvid’s adventures.

I had heard about Arvid in the news and I knew cyclists that had ridden with him, but I had never actually met Arvid.  When I read about Arvid’s plan to challenge the 10,000 km world record, I knew I had to come out to see him.
 
When I arrived on Monday morning last week there was Arvid casually giving some TV interviews just minutes before his ride.  Having participated in and watched endurance sports for the last 25 years, I was struck by how relaxed he was.  It is one thing to be an exceptional athlete like Arvid, but it’s another to have the ability to be so calm just before undertaking such a difficult event.  Clearly, Arvid has some very rare abilities … and it’s amazing to see him put those abilities behind a great charity.
 
After meeting him just before he started his ride, I was intrigued to see more of his effort.  Since that Monday morning, I’ve visited 6 or 7 times.  One thing that I have realized is that this challenge is very different from most other extraordinary endurance challenges. Because he is doing this in a very small area, you can see all of his trials and tribulations up close without much effort on your own part!  It’s just like watching someone attempt a climb of Mt. Everest without oxygen while you sit back and relax in an easy chair.  Right before your eyes you get to see someone push the full limits of human ability.  This is a rare opportunity indeed.
 
If you get a chance, come out and cheer on Arvid, and maybe hand up a donation!