Today is National Bike to Work Day sponsored by the American League of Bicyclist. It’s also Elected Officials Appreciation Day. I have an idea: next year, combine the two - ride your bike to work WITH your elected official. They just might learn something from you and you just MIGHT be able to help them get a snapshot of your world. IF there happens to be anyone who rode their bike with an elected official to work today OR if you are an elected official and you rode your bike to work today, be the first to contact me by Friday May 23rd and I will send a fify dollar US Savings Bond to the charity of your choosing OR to a worthy college kid OR to the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation. Bike on…I will tomorrow in Tour de Blount and off now to an appointment…on my bike.

BTW, I am speaking to a group of high school students tonight for their high school graduation. My topic is 18 Things to do BEFORE you turn 18. I have written the speech but have left 4 of the 18 open for whatever moves me at the moment. What would you tell an 18 year old to do in the next 18 years if you were giving the speech?  I am also giving them a list of some of 18 - 36 “must read” books. Many of the suggestions are from my own experience and some are coming from my professional speaker colleagues. What books would you suggest to an 18 that will shape their thinking, inspire them and challenge them to greatness?