Pressing On

It has been about three months since my bike tour came to a conclusion. And I don't think there has been a day within those three months where I haven't thought about the bike tour. The thoughts come to me naturally and at random moments, like when I'm opening a door or brushing my teeth.

It was a joyful experience to travel across this country by bicycle. Everyday my senses were engaged and many wonderful and lasting memories were forged. But it has also been a joy to come back home, and to spend time with my family and friends, and to continue with my work.

As the days go by, and as the tan lines on my body disappear, I remember what a great time I had this past summer. I remember the past, but I also remember how good things are right now. I enjoy the past carefully and in small amounts as I press on toward the future. The transition from life on the road to life at home has been, at times, a challenging one, but I do the best I can. As I go through this transition I remember that there is one constant: me. No matter how different things may seem, I remember that my life still just consists of me doing stuff. The places where the stuff happens can be important, becasue the places can sometimes affect the stuff, but in the end the stuff is what really matters.

I spend my days writing, because that is what I have chosen to do. I am a writer, working on my first book, and this is both challenging and fulfilling. My book (which is non-fiction) tells story of my first three bike tours. I actually finished the rough draft before Janice and I headed out this past summer. Although I have many months of editing and rewriting ahead of me, I press on with joy and desire and the rolling momentum that I still carry from my adventures this past summer.

For those of you who followed my tour by reading this log, I thank you. For those of you who I met along the way, I thank you. I received much kindness and hospitality this past summer and I consider myself to be very fortunate. Thanks to my sister Janice, who rode with me for 3,000 and some brilliant miles. Thanks to my family and friends, who kept me grounded and inspired. Thanks to Andy Baldwin, for his help and guidance with the megatransect. A very hearty (and very belated) thanks to the Herberts, who took me in on my second to last night on the road in Ashland, Virginia. The Herberts are related to my good friends the Batemans, and I thank both families for thinking of me and making my life on the road a little better. And finally, I must thank my mother, for not only her love but for her support as she mailed different supplies to Janice and I along the way. Thanks Mom!

As a way to show my thanks, I will continue to post writings and pictures. I invite you to stop in from time to time and look around.