Thoughts on Self-Assessment and Personal Growth Plan - Correlation between cycling and leadership - a refelctive response to Quang's email

Not as lucky as many of us, I don't get to go to bed early after today ride even though it was the fastest group ride I've ever been a part of. Surprisingly, my body is not aching up as usual, just a little discomfort on the quads and some soreness on both palms of my hands for leaning so hard downward. Bad techniques! I guess almost two weeks off from biking did yield some positive effect on my overall condition. The tank is half empty!

I've been up all night catching up on the final paper - Self Assessment & Personal Growth Plan for Leadership Developement, a class I am wrapping up at Bethel. I have a habit of listening to Classicals/Jazz while working or studying. Spontaneus nature of this genre of music intended to smart people up, someone once told me. The luscious sound of a violin by Joshua Bell beams out from a cheap set of speakers on the bookshelf: "O Mio Bambbino Caro" by Puccini. The soothing tune didn't quite carry the calming effect I hope for to quiet Quang's booming voice still echoing in my head: "ON YOUR LEFT! ON YOUR LEFT!". So much for serenity and creativity.

After a couple hours of goofing off online shopping, suddenly I had an epiphany: cycling is a great metaphor for leadership. In order to get to that distant destination, one cannot be in a leadership position all the time, but have to relinquish that to others. Rewind back to the moment when my heart just about to jump out of my chest heading toward the end of Greenway around Farmer Market, I realize this is the purest physical form of collaborative teamwork. ABC Riders has transformed themselves from a "group" to a "cohesive team". From friends who share just common hobbies, to common goals that build up and encourage each other toward higher, worthier accomplishment. From an internal focus to an external outlook for better relationship among us. I am about to cry. Hick~Hick~