We did it!!!!

Well, it finally happened. I drank the koolaid! Nubs and I (my new riding partner) rode for a mile in the Trail of Tears. I saw several friends that I have not see in ages. In addition, I found out that it was actually fun. I thought about continuing on with the ride, but realized that it would be unlikely that I would have the opportunity to separate from the group until Florence. As such, I came home.

That got me thinking.... We are faced with challenges every day of our lives. Some of my friends (and Gray Ladies) are dealing with far more than anyone should be burdened with. But despite the challenge, each is riding their path like it is part of the journey and not the destination. I just hope that when it is my time to face such challenges that I ride more than a mile and keep going rather than just go home!

The weather is finally starting to turn and as such, Baby is calling for me to ride. Tomorrow, we will probably start looking for that quiet road with the falling leaves and if really lucky - the sweet smell of fall calling us to keep going until the sun goes down!


Keep on riding,


Shiny Side Up!
RoadRunner

What cost is freedom???

Today I did something that I have never done before. I rode without a helmet, without gear and without the proper mindset. Why? To get away from the oppressing heat. To be fair, I did have some form of headgear (one of the kids old bike helmets) and my shoes were hiking boots. But other than that - I rode in essence naked. But how liberating! Not in a "I'm riding without a helmet or gear", rather just the freedom from the heat! I doubt I would do it again; but to be fair, I had not bargained for the fact that I would be affected by the heat and humidity of the South. This is where I was born! This is my home! I love it here. But I was unprepared for the sudden change in the weather.

Life is a bit like that - we get used to one single thing, then when we are removed from it - suddenly what we had in the past is now a challenge to accept. I would like to think that this is what is called growth.

For those that know me - no - I won't be doing that again. I would prefer to wake up early and ride in the morning rather than what I did today. But, it did give me an insight into why others ride without gear and helmets - I can see their choice. I love that about life - we learn to see what the meaning of it is (life) in the eyes of others!

Coming Home! Another road trip - maybe ;-)

I'm not sure how many (if any) keep up with this blog. Truth be told - I have not. This is evident since it has been almost a year since I posted. Not because I was sad, or unhappy, or bored. Just that this blog did not represent the life I was living here. But now, a new life is to begin. I am due to come home in May. Baby (and Jose) have patiently waited for me while I went on my European adventure. I can already feel the road calling me again. This time, I want to do it right.


I want to ride what is coined "The loneliest road in America." It goes from one of the country to the other (East/West). If lucky and have enough time, I would then like to at least ride through the Badlands. This is where the previous musing comes in. For those that are still following - who would like to join me? You don't have to ride; in fact we need at least one that does not - we need a trailer vehicle. Someone that can carry all the "stuff" that goes with a cross country ride as well as to support the times where one of us cannot ride.

I do not know how far we will get or what we will do. All I do know is this. It will most likely be the month of June. It will hopefully be at least three weeks and it will definitely be an adventure!

Let me know what you think. You can come for some or all of the ride. Let's start my (and to a real part - Gray Lady Riders) new American adventure in style!




Shiny Side Up!
- RoadRunner