6 Commonly Asked Questions
The opening question: “Where are you going?”
Our answer: We’re traveling east. We started our journey in Winnipeg, Manitoba and we’re traveling east around the world until we arrive at the west coast of Canada. This is our end destination and there ’is no specific time frame to accomplish this distance.
The assumption: “Wow, you two must be strong cyclists!”
The truth: Nope, not at all. Honestly, we hadn’t ridden our bicycles for nearly two years before leaving on this trip. We mostly built up our endurance and strength as we travelled. For this reason, the title of “cyclist” doesn’t really suit us. I believe the term “traveler” (or nomad) would probably describe us better. We simply use a bicycle as our mode of transportation.
The next question (which is usually asked with some confusion): “If you’re not cyclists… then why are you doing this?”
The short answer: Well…… God sent us. A – as crazy as that sounds. However, we cannot deny that God has indeed called us to travel east. Although we do not fully understand why, we have chosen to leave the comfort and safety of our home in faith, knowing that God has a good plan for our lives.
Intrigued but still confused: “But, why travel by bicycle?”
That’s a good question. We didn’t really understand at first either. From our own perspective, we could see that there was a certain freedom and romance about riding a bicycle. The slow pace, living in the moment, and enjoying the journey. However, God has shown us a deeper purpose for the vehicle of choicebicycles. It’ is a very humbling lifestyle. Living on a bicycle requires us to live simply and openly. We’ are constantlyalways being exposed and vulnerable to the many people we encounter. It’ is this honest lifestyle that has created so many opportunities for us to be invited into people’speoples homes, sit around campfires, and come alongside fellow travelers. We share the Good News about Jesus, tell stories about the good things God has done in our lives, and pray for those who are hurting.
Next Question: “So, what’s the overall goal of your trip?”
Oddly enough, our goal is NOT about reaching our destination. Nor is it about becoming a great cyclist, or making a name for ourselves.
The honest answer: We’re simply learning how to listen to God’s voice and obey His instructions. Jesus is our Teacher. As we travel with Him, our faith is strengthened and our character is refined. Our ultimate goal is to have a closer relationship with the Living God and to “ride like Jesus” every day.
Last Question: “Why did you start The Narrow Shoulder?”
We have so many awesome stories about the great things God has done. We can’not help but share them! We also believe that there’ will be many more stories to come as we travel east, and we want you to be a part of the story and the experience. We believe that The Narrow Shoulder is, at its very core – a faith journey.
Our hope is that as you take this journey with us, it ’will inspire you to courageously follow God’s leading in your own life; . Tthat together we may stepmay we step out in faith and witness God’s great love and power. As we travel east, we do no’t know where the road will lead us, nor the difficulties we may face. Yet we know exactly where we ’are headedgoing. Everyday this journey is taking us closer to God, His Son Jesus, His Spirit, and His Kingdom. Discovering Him is the greatest adventure this life has to offer. Won’t you join us on this very narrow shoulder?