What To Do

I am in a privileged position. I realize this, yet I still struggle with what I should do. With what my mind knows is right, versus what my bank account and heart want me to do.

I absolutely hate losing money. It’s one of my pet peeves. Being poor for a few years will do that to you. So when I make a purchase, it’s not done lightly. When it comes to travel and race costs, it’s exceptionally thought out.

Races across the world are being cancelled, rightly so. The pandemic we are facing is absolutely devastating regardless of what the government says or what people choose to believe. I am honestly scared for everyone, but especially our most vulnerable. I can take care of my health and if I get the illness, I have a high chance to survive.

Others don’t. And that is my struggle. It’s not my health and safety on the line. I could spread it to other people. And that is not ok.

In one month I am supposed to go to California to race Lake Sonoma. Everything was set, and it was going to be smooth sailing.

I think the universe has other plans for me. I simply don’t think it’s wise to travel that far for a competition with other people. No amount of hand washing can out weigh the best form of protection: social distancing. 

So I’m going to try to get out of it this year. Hopefully the RDs will make the wise decision to cancel it this year and we’ll all get to defer. Hopefully my airline will be able to change my flight for something later in the year. Hopefully things will get better, but I cannot put other people in jeopardy for a single race across the country. If it were close, and there is another race near here I have my eye one instead, then I would wait it out to see. However when all is said and done, it’s one day at the beginning of a season of racing. If we all do our part to manage and control this now, hopefully we will all be able to continue racing once the virus calms down.

Do the right thing.