I'm really going to miss you all. Many of you, in some way or another, really helped me through the tough times I was going through this past six months. It really meant a lot to me.
I want to give special shout outs but I don't want anyone I leave out feeling like I didn't appreciate the things they have done for me. You know who you are and you know the things you have done for me and be sure to know that I am SO grateful. Not only for the things you've done for me but simply for being my friend.
Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for the good times. Thank you for the support. Thank you for EVERYTHING! I will never forget you guys and I WILL be back.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Day 1 Down
I only got 65 miles in today but I didn't get on the road until 11 and I stopped a lot. Looking to get a lot more in tomorrow.
I ended up right next to the Ohio/Indiana border. Tomorrow I'll be saying a bittersweet goodbye to Ohio.
I ended up right next to the Ohio/Indiana border. Tomorrow I'll be saying a bittersweet goodbye to Ohio.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
One last delay... Hopefully
If you couldn't tell from my previous post, I decided to delay the trip one more day. Getting the last of my gear and installing it took much longer than anticipated. So I'll be setting out in the morning tomorrow.
Background
One of the most common questions I have gotten since deciding to take this journey is why I decided to do so. Most of which asked in a WHY THE HECK fashion.
Well, it started several months back. There were some major changes in my life that turned plans for the following months on their head. At first I didn't know where to even start. Then, a couple weeks later I reached a turning point in which I started viewing my situation more as an opportunity to explore the possibilities. I was free to make whatever plans I wanted and I was excited.
I came up with a number of things: move somewhere exotic for a year, work for a cruise line for a bit, I even contemplated the Peace Corps again (almost went in once before). But nothing really fit all that well with what I wanted and/or needed at the time. So I stopped to think about what I wanted out of the next step in my life. I decided I wanted to do something fun, challenging, fulfilling, different, and something I would never forget. Well, I knew I had a move back to California from Ohio coming up in a few months so I started off with the idea of taking a long road trip on the way back, but that was neither challenging nor different. Then a light bulb went off... I should bike the way back!!!
I love riding my bike, I love the outdoors, I love adventure, and I love a challenge. Needless to say, I fell in love with the idea instantly.
Shortly thereafter, reality took hold and I had to start thinking about whether or not it was going to be feasible. To make a long story short working out the logistics was a bit of a nightmare. Working two jobs to save up for it while getting in as much training as possible in itself was extremely taxing. In fact, I didn't even know for sure that I was going to be able to do it until this last Tuesday (thus the two day delay). But everything has fallen into place and mission is a go. I couldn't be more excited (and anxious) and I can't wait to share my stories along the way with all who are following.
Well, it started several months back. There were some major changes in my life that turned plans for the following months on their head. At first I didn't know where to even start. Then, a couple weeks later I reached a turning point in which I started viewing my situation more as an opportunity to explore the possibilities. I was free to make whatever plans I wanted and I was excited.
I came up with a number of things: move somewhere exotic for a year, work for a cruise line for a bit, I even contemplated the Peace Corps again (almost went in once before). But nothing really fit all that well with what I wanted and/or needed at the time. So I stopped to think about what I wanted out of the next step in my life. I decided I wanted to do something fun, challenging, fulfilling, different, and something I would never forget. Well, I knew I had a move back to California from Ohio coming up in a few months so I started off with the idea of taking a long road trip on the way back, but that was neither challenging nor different. Then a light bulb went off... I should bike the way back!!!
I love riding my bike, I love the outdoors, I love adventure, and I love a challenge. Needless to say, I fell in love with the idea instantly.
Shortly thereafter, reality took hold and I had to start thinking about whether or not it was going to be feasible. To make a long story short working out the logistics was a bit of a nightmare. Working two jobs to save up for it while getting in as much training as possible in itself was extremely taxing. In fact, I didn't even know for sure that I was going to be able to do it until this last Tuesday (thus the two day delay). But everything has fallen into place and mission is a go. I couldn't be more excited (and anxious) and I can't wait to share my stories along the way with all who are following.
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