Not Giving In To Overwhelm

Hello My Friends,

Does it ever seem to you that too much work
Is required to do what you want?

Do you question: “Is this worth it?”
That’s when I REALLY need to ask for help.

On September 2nd, I begin bicycling WY -> MN,
(Five hundred miles of that route.)
Right now in midst of gathering stuff,
Preparing, purchasing refills or replacements.
I get so "rattled" / overwhelmed with preparation,
Asking for help eases overwhelm.

Making lists with Bob,
Deliberate delegating,
Realizing Bob is as committed as I
To having this trip work well.
Individually, we are getting things gathered & ready.

You may recognize the complex business of
“Finding the way” when there are two.

We had great weekend ride in Wisconsin.
Two LaCrosse area bike trails:
LaCrosse State Trail and some of Great River Trail.
Off-road, flat, all good things about rail trail.

Route revealed we are spoiled & partial to
MN's paved trails. Several aspects:
Less hand & wrist stress,
Less seat bouncing,
Fewer jarring mud holes.

Still WI trip was good.
Served as "shake-down trip" for upcoming trip packing,
Equipment, food, bits-and-pieces.

Two new bike tires are ordered,
Will be mounted at bike store when they arrive.
I want to ride long trips with "fresh" tires,
A quirk of mine, adopted from wise biker friend.

Actually a lesson I learned years ago,
Riding with 5 women on trip Sandy planned,
Down Mississippi River, MN-> Lousiana.
Sandy said, "Buy new tires."
“Silly,” thought I. “My tires look good.”
I had flat two miles out of Lake Itasca.
Now I follow Sandy's advice.

You'll begin hearing from me
Riding Cheyenne, WY -> toward MN.
Sept 2nd is planned start.

Now I'm biking in MN,
Making lists,
Doing what lists indicate,
Deep breaths when overwhelm strikes.
Preparing for new adventure.
Hooray!

Hugs to each and all of you,
Lin

Limerick:

Preparing is something I dislike.
I'd rather just go out and ride bike.
I make lots of lists,
And fill up my fists,
With all that's required for bike psyche.