I’m just getting back into cycling after many years being off the bike. In my past life, I was an avid cyclist, and I biked through the South of France, exploring the French Riviera and Provence. And as a Ph.D. student right through my early career years, my old clunker of a bike was my sole means of transportation – I rode up to two hours a day to and from work.
About seven years ago, my husband bought me a beautiful road bike for my 50th birthday. It had skinny tires, curly handlebars and clipless pedals. I loved it, and got back into cycling for the next two years.
But then – you know what’s coming – I got busy. Work and life got in the way, plus DC summers were way too hot and humid to do any productive cycling. So for my 55th birthday, I got a used Peloton bike, which continues to sit directly in front of my desk collecting dust.
Why? Shortly after I got the bike, I was diagnosed with osteopenia, which subsequently devolved to osteoporosis. I needed to build bone mass, and cycling won’t accomplish that. So I swapped it out for weight-bearing exercise like pole walking, dancing and vinyasa yoga.
Last month, I dusted off my bike and joined two cycling groups. And, like every “weekend warrior” athlete, I totally underestimated my current cycling level while cycling with a group on an evening ride along the Potomac River, Mount Vernon trail and through Georgetown.
Here’s what I learned:
And here’s the most important thing about cycling with a diverse and inclusive group: NO ONE GETS DROPPED. NO ONE GETS LEFT BEHIND.
I never once felt like one of those ducklings I recently told you about in my 6/02 email story and video clip, who got left behind.
I was made to feel included, even though:
I showed up unprepared for the group ride…
My cycling technique needed improvement…
I felt stressed and anxious...
As the tortoise at the back of the pack, I was grateful to be swept by the sweeper:
I’m sharing this story with you today because as we transition to live events, we don’t want to leave an entire virtual audience – that has enjoyed the accessibility, sustainability, affordability and convenience of virtual meeting -- behind.
It’s time for us to channel our ‘inner sweepers’, to make everyone feel included and engaged. Virtual meetings are:
Revitalize your virtual/hybrid meetings with healthy meeting experiences that engage and energize virtual audiences: My brain and body breaks and byte-size wellness activities are available in a stand-alone portal (The Virtual Wellness Lounge) or can be included and broadcasted inside your meeting agenda and on your conference platform.
And if you need content to help attendees and employees navigate life after lockdown, I have enough byte-size content inside my content factory to keep them going for years after lockdown!
Let’s talk! Click HERE to book a Zoom meeting with me.
Stay well,
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