Missing Out

As I stated in the previous notes, I like to bike. However I find that I'm usually alone on the scene from the African American standpoint.  I tend also to do a lot of traveling to historic sites, battle fields and the like. Again, I'm alone. What is the problem I asked myself? It seems that we as Black people aren't interested in history, or beautiful scenery. I like to day hike and it kills me to hear the negative comments I get from black people who eschew the outdoors!! Granted I know there is a  group of Black Scuba divers in Florida, there is a Black cycling group in Kansas somewhere, but here in the DC Metro area where there is close proximity of beautiful mountains, lots of cultural things to see for FREE, the attitude is that "we" don't do those things. Its shameful. I drag my son to a lot of out of town history sites (Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Gettysburg) and he impressed his teachers with what he as a black child knew of these sites and the events behind them. 

Now the question becomes: How do I get black people involved. I'm not talking about the older people who were taught and appreciate history, but the younger generations, my age group. Just a day hike (since I admit, I love a hotel and hot shower, although I'd like to at least try to rent a rustic cabin as long as its not too rustic- gotta have indoor plumbing!) There is a "mountain" that is close to my house and its free to whomever most of the year. I day hike there all the time. Great spot for meditation. I hope that the craziness of gas prices will at least drive more black people to consider biking and get them in the habit. One can only hope