65+

65+, A designation usually reserved for eligibility into AARP*, takes on a new personal meaning today in the form the number of miles rode. A light Sunday afternoon ride turned into 4.5 hours on the rode, covering over 65 miles while zipping around Huntsville. I am sure my body will hate me tomorrow, once there has been time for it to realize the distance it went today. Mile 1 is getting closer and closer, and I feel like I have more and more to do before the trip begins. With a few more generous people, I will be at the $4000 requirement and officially ready to ride; I just have to find those generous people. I am excited about selecting my summer reading list; I will let you know when that decision has been made. There is a certain comfort found in this chaos that surround me.

jh

*I am fully aware eligibility into AARP begins at age 50, but it works so well in my analogy I will leave it.

My Shiny Red Bicycle...

So of course, my shiny red bicycle and I are beginning to become accustomed to each other, but there was a slight hiccup on our second adventure, in the form of a flat tire. After happily riding in a light rain, no warning, just went flat...fast. The luxurious walk home gave me plenty of time to realize that the essentials are actually necessary. Somewhat of a redundant epiphany, I realize. But now we are well equipped with extra inner tubes and bicycle pumps. Today entailed an intense 25 mile ride over a small mountain, definitely felt the pizza I ate before riding; not a good idea for future reference. Everyday feels like a new scramble trying to tie-up loose ends before the trip starts. Working full-time, riding, and raising money basically takes up all my time, but suddenly the thought "I am going to bike across the country," began to take hold. Not across a town, not across a state, but a country....and a big one too. I am excited and can't wait to see everything fall into place and for the ride to start.

jh