The time between Christmas and New Years has been a little different for me this year.  Usually it involves decompressing from the feasting, the family entertainment and trying not to think about work.  But this year I have this gut turning feeling that 2012 is going to be different and all I can think about is the work that’s to be done.  Now, I’m not the kind of guy to get all emotional and inspirational when it comes to looking forward to a new year but I will say that the ring of 2012 just seems to sound like the kind of year that will mean something.  When I say it’s going to “mean” something I mean it’s going to be the kind of year that we look back on and say, “yeah, we did it.”  That little phrase sounds like something that would close out a Saved by the Bell episode but regardless of its cheesiness I can’t help strive for that in 2012.

Bike Raising has been on a slow and steady rise since we first became a real-life, breathing entity in 2010.  We’ve had big successes, minor setbacks and critical learning experiences that not only shape how we do things but also who we are.  The experiences are priceless not only to us but to those we serve.   Looking ahead into 2012 as we nurture Bike Raising and the RACE GIVE LOVE movement the experiences we had in 2011 are going to create greater and greater opportunities for rescue and relief going forward.  2012 will be packed with races, rides and adventures to usher in freedom.  We have a full calendar to unveil that promises to place the new year as our best yet.

What does 2012 have in store for us?  I don’t know.  But I can tell you this, there is hope for the afflicted and by the grace of Jesus Christ we will stand in the void and rise up for those who need that hope.

Whatever you do, do it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for man.  Colossians 3:23.

Happy 2012!

Joshua Stinger – Co Founder and Director of Bike Raising Inc.