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

Summer in the UK

I am amazed at how much different things are in one year. Someone told me that it takes an entire year to finally get settled into a new life somewhere else - particularly when moving overseas. I have not made my goal of being on a bike here in the UK, but I am beginning to realize - that it is not that important. I want to ride my way. Not for the sake of being on a bike - but to feel the wind on my body, the sound and smells of the road and the feeling I get when riding. It isn't about the bike - it is about that journey! I can't imagine riding here and just going. It would be to a specific destination - riding for the sake of riding - not for the joy of it.

Life is a bit like that. There are times that we just live. We breathe, we eat, we go to work, but just don't live life. For now, I think I would rather journey with my feet, the tube or the train and enjoy the process of getting to wherever "there" is. The bike - Baby, she and my friends will all be there when I get back. Until then, I will focus on making this part of my journey one to remember for the rest of my life!


Shiny Side Up
RoadRunner