First Day Headed West

Hello Friends,

First Day, en route to Wyoming.
Here is a web post none of us expected.
I told you I would start writing Sept 2, as we head back to MN.

Today's beginning, so enthusing,
I had to share it!

We're giving ourselves three days to drive to Cheyenne,
Very leisurely, allowing me to
Bicycle twenty miles per day as we go.

Need to ride so that
Thighs don't turn to "muscle mush"
With sitting in car.

Start today was on Sakatah Trail
Outside Faribault, MN.
All conditions, very good,
Smooth pavement,
Trees sheltering from wind,
Mostly flat grade.

Early in day,
Meant those I passed still responded
With smile or thumbs-up.

My personal SAG,
That's Bob, my husband of 60 years,
Already in SAG groove.
Up ahead, standing beside car, to tell me of
Construction on trail, alternative crossing suggestion.

Pedaling made me think of why I ride.

I felt:
Strong,
Purpose-filled,
Focused,
In charge,
Capable,
Happy.

Great reasons to ride.

These years of bicycling make me
Stretch,
Reach farther,
Expand my sense of possibility.

Wish I could say it has made me always brave,
Not so.
I still get nervous and a bit scared starting each trip.

I realize that I write about my rides,
Not only to let you know that my life is richer
Doing my bicycling "stretch,”
But also to invite you to stretch with me.

Maybe not bicycling,
Maybe your "stretch" is standing up straighter with your walker.
Finally writing your novel,
Locating the family member who dropped out of your life.

Stretching happens in all kinds of ways.
All valuable.

Here I am,
Starting another bike adventure.
What a privilege.

Not all of it is joy.
There can be hours of hard work.
Thoughts of, "Why would I work so hard
If it is supposed to be vacation?"

Satisfaction of reaching today's destination,
One-mile-at-a-time,
Keeps me committing to this pastime.

Lucky me.

Hugs to each of you,
Lin