Orange County Branch, U.S.A. / October 2011 - Contributor: Branch Master Pankaj Rastogi

ORANGE COUNTYSHORINJI KEMPO 26 MILE (42km) BIKE MARATHON
"SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN HEART FOUNDATION & CHILDRENS TUMOR FUND CHARITY"

What drives a kenshi to be the best they can be? What inspires us to first establish ourselves and then give back to the community we live in? What motivates us to consistently think about others year after year? What initiates our ability to once in a while turn the TV or Game off and maintain a constant positive motion in our lives. The answer is the action that Shorinji Kempo students take to accomplish a goal. A 26.2 mile goal that challenges an individual's mental and physical ability. On Sunday October 9th, 2011 the Orange County Shorinji Kempo Branch participated in the Long Beach Bike Marathon in Orange County California to raise money for the CHILDRENS TUMOR FUND and AMERICAN HEART FOUNDATION. This year we wanted to support a local charity, improve our health, have fun and most importantly to live by the Ken Zen Ichi Nyo philosophy that we have all come to admire in the practice of Shorinji Kempo.

After a brisk 30 min car drive where we squeezed in several bicycles in the back of a minivan, Lisa Umeda, Pankaj Rastogi, Daniel Kimura and Charles Ho arrived at Long Beach Convention center at 5:00am to start lining up for the 26mile (42 km) bike marathon. At 5am, the morning skies are completely dark with the Orion Belt stars still in bright view among the 3,500 bike enthusiasts. The participants ranged from ages 2 to 88 years old. One person we noticed rode the entire 26miles (42km) on a unicycle. Others dressed in Halloween costumes to celebrate the upcoming October 31st event. Numerous people rode tandem bikes, unicycles, 3 wheeled bicycles with dogs with a spirit that only equals to a perfect Shorinji Kempo Technique. The bike marathon ran across closed highways, major bridges, along the sandy beaches of Long Beach City California coast line, huge homes, parks, marinas, restaurants and the famous Pyramid shape California State Long Beach University. The weather was a comfortable 60deg F (16 deg C).













The first 2 miles seemed relatively easy and the transformation of the complete morning darkness to daylight was beautiful to observe. The legs starting to warm up, sun rising and people lining up on the sides of the street cheering from their homes, sidewalks and cars as we rode by gave us an abundance of energy. Students from the California State Long Beach University clapped with music, handed out water and snacks as we rode by each of the marked mile markers. Daniel and Charles rode like it was their last marathon and we lost them in the first 5 minutes among the thousands of bicycles. Lisa kenshi and Rastogi sensei's stayed together to support each other to the finish line. This is the first year we had a parent join us (Charles Ho). Charles came duly prepared with drinks, gloves, and snack bars. Charles focus was not on the sightseeing during the bicycle ride but rather on the finish line where we all enjoyed eating great food!!! After 14 miles Rastogi sensei's legs were starting to feel like rubber until he drank the 2nd and final protein drink and suddenly a burst of energy propelled him to the 22mile marker were every turn of the pedal felt more and more difficult. There were a few times Rastogi sensei felt we were not making any progress until Lisa feverishly started pedaling the last 4 miles towards the finish line. Charles finished in 1st Place at 1hr 37min. Everyone else broke their record of being under two hours (1 hr and 57min). Even though this was not a race, the competitive nature of the kenshi and parents seemed to leap forward to improve their time from last year.













Long Beach Marathon representatives waited at the finish line to place medals around each participant's neck that finished the Charity Bike ride. After getting off our bikes for the first time in almost 2hrs my legs felt like rubber bands and I could not walk normal for the first 2-3 minutes. I did notice the other kenshi did not have any problems. We all parked our bikes and enjoyed the rest of the Bike Ride festivities of live music, drinks and the marathon runners who ran after the bike ride was over. Going through the experience held a great sense of accomplishment of overcoming our physical and mental abilities. All the kenshi who participated were able to raise $450 for the American Heart Association which continues to extend human life. Lisa and Rastogi sensei continue to encourage all students to attend these types of events to help the community and lead by example at our branch.

The day ended with a LARGE BREAKFAST at Long Beach Cafe where we ate eggs, vegetable omelets, bacon and lots of water and iced tea!!!!!

We are all looking forward to the next event to promote and spread the philosophies of Shorinji Kempo; Confidence, Courage, Friendship and Contribution to Society. We are hoping many other branches will participate in this great event next year!!!!!

Kesshu! Gassho!

Pankaj Rastogi
Shorinji Kempo Orange County Branch

 

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