Every time I take one of the trips I learn something about myself, my God, my country, and my fellow riders. The past several years I have been the leader on these trips - which means it's my responsibility to choose the routes and the destinations, the lodging and the meals. It's pretty much like being in youth ministry again only the kids are bigger and the toys are more expensive.
What follows are my random thoughts on leadership learned on the open road:
- Those guys following me are counting on me being prepared! They trust that I have done my homework and that I know where we're going.
- Those guys following me are counting on me to ride straight and true.
- Sometimes the leader must sacrifice what he wants to do because the guys behind can't make the exit or the turn-off. So as the leader, I need to slow down enough for everyone to be able to move as a unit not as individuals.
- I can't always see everyone who is following me so I have to trust that the guy right behind me is keeping an eye on the guy behind him.
- Don't burp in a full-face helmet! (This has nothing to do with leadership, but since I've regained my sense of smell after years of not being able to smell anything, this was a really valuable lesson to me.)
- My mistakes are multiplied because everyone behind me repeats them - which makes the mistake seem bigger than it really is.
- My victories are multiplied because everyone behind me repeats them - which means the victory isn't really as big as it seems.
- Trust is difficult to earn and easy to lose.
- The leader has a lot more to think and worry about than the followers.
- The burden/gift of leadership should be cherished never envied.
- It is an incredible honor to have someone trust you enough to go where you go and stay where you stay and do what you do. Protect that trust!
Do what you want with those random thoughts - you'll either get it or you wont, kind of like riding a motorcycle down the coast...
