But this post isn't about that. I hope to finally answer a question posed by a friend back in May. Advance warning, this is just a wall of text.
I got up early and rode 100 miles from Buffalo to Gillette. I could have made the ride 30 miles shorter by traveling on the interstate, but when an alternate route is available, I always take it.
My incredible creek side campsite.
Since there was absolutely nothing between the two towns, I had a lot of time to think.
See, nothing. 100 miles of this.
While having lunch with family and friends in late May, early June, John asked a seemingly innocuous question.
What do you think about while riding?
At the time, I my answer was a bit of a cop out:
Food, water, work.
Not entirely untrue, but there is far more. After spending many rides thinking about how to answer the question, here it goes.
Most of my thoughts I can categorize into the following categories: reflection, fantasizing about the future, survival and awe.
Reflection
I meet a lot of people and see a lot of things on this ride. All of which have an impact - especially the people. While pedaling down the road, I often think about the people I just met, the conversations we shared and the impact the left on me. And the impact I may have left as well.
I hope to inspire people to go on an adventure, so I often hope I might be that catalyst. I'm also inspired by everyone on a daily basis. I gave up planning my route more than a day in advance a while ago - I just ask people where to go and they give suggestions. They inspire me to visit places I would have never guessed by just looking at a map on my phone.
They also inspire me to keep pedaling.
I met Nico two days ago, and he asked me what my motivation was. Aside from survival, I said, people.
Learning about others' lives is enriching, and I thrive on it.
Fantasizing about the future
I spend a lot of time thinking about life after the ride. I thoroughly enjoy it, but part of me longs to have a regular shower, a routine & the comforts of home.
I miss spending time with my family, BBQ's on weekend afternoons and even doing laundry (not in a creek, or a dry bag).
Since I am on a sabbatical, I think about my job a lot. My boss / mentor / friend and I have a unique dynamic that allows us to create and implement solutions for the company - I really miss the challenge of bringing her ideas to fruition.
And I cannot wait to get back to those projects. I think a lot about the work we have in the pipeline for 2018.
Earlier I mentioned inspiration. All the travelers I've met have neat tricks, traveling hacks, adventure rigs, recommendations, etc - they're chock full of information. Part of fantasizing about the future is the next adventure to embark on.
My plan is retrofit a small trailer for my Subaru or purchase a small van and convert it into a camper. From there, I can slap a mountain bike on the back, leave town on Friday night and mountain bike around for a day or two. Then easily return home and plan the next ride.
By the way, the camper is completely designed in my head. And I mean completely.
Survival
I am constantly figuring out where to find water, where to rest my head for the night and how to stay fueled.
And it is exhausting.
I can get somewhere in a day. It is a strange statement, but to clarify, if I need something, I can usually find it. It just takes me a day.
Some places, like the road from Buffalo to Gillette, there is absolutely nothing for 100 miles. I experienced the same desolation in the Mohave Desert and passing through Amboy California.
I think about where to find water. I think about why Google Maps has a town listed and there are no buildings. I think about whether I need to filter water from the creek. Or grab food at this gas station.
Heck, I even think if carrying the food is more energy than I get eating it.
I'd like to say that the survival aspect is more voluntary - where I could rely on others if I got stuck in a bad situation.
But it is not. Always be prepared.
Awe
While on an epic adventure, you see some breathtaking sites and experience extraordinary acts of kindness.
You cannot help but revel in nature's beauty or think about how lucky you are to meet kindhearted individuals.
These are the best thoughts.
It isn't reflecting on what just happened, but rather, being in awe about what is happening. Live in the moment.
Thanks for reading
I am positive that I haven't fully answered the question, but I owe John the beginning of an answer.
This is the fourth time I've written this post, and if I don't publish it, I'll be rewriting it for eternity.
In other news, I saw one of those massive dump trucks for the first time in my life.
Joe