Day 16 - More Bad Weather

By Mark Heggestad
“It wouldn’t be a journey if there were not ups and downs, mountains and valleys, starts and stops.   Sun and rain……and hail…….and snow.”

We knew last night that today would potentially bring us poor weather and another day of no biking.  But that doesn’t soften the disappointment.  We woke up to temps in the high 30’s with constant rain and sleet.  We have rain gear to bike in, but heavy rain in low temps is not worth it.  Not only is it uncomfortable, it is unsafe.  Over the course of the day we have experienced hard rain, hail, and snow.  More of the same is expected tomorrow.

After only two days of riding in the past five days I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.  There are things to do: catch up on laundry and other tasks, let the body recover after our single most challenging day so far, read a good book, listen to good music.  But the reality is, that isn’t why I took on this journey.  Sure, I knew weather would occasionally force our hand; I just wasn’t prepared for four days off out of six (assuming tomorrow is another day off) within the first couple weeks.

As awesome as this journey is, it comes with a price.  I am missing a lot!  I miss family and friends.  I am missing important events like birthdays and Mother’s Day.  I am missing my middle son’s visit home.  As peaceful as it is to read a good book in the camper listening to the soft (and sometimes hard) patter of rain on the roof, I would enjoy it even more nestled in the comfort of home.  And so, although I relish this journey, the biking, the beauty, the serenity, the challenge, the sense of accomplishment; it pains me to make no progress toward our destination.  Another day lost to bad weather is another day lost of all the things I miss and love back home.

Also.  While on this journey many people back home are taking on responsibilities from big to small to cover for me.  From Jill holding down the home front on her own to friends like Bruce (another friend named Bruce) who helped my Mom get her TV working again.  There are many friends and family helping out in so many ways while I get to have this great adventure.  I could not do it without your help and I thank you immensely.  And each day lost to weather is one more day others cover for me.

Don't get me wrong.  I am still as enthusiastic and excited as on Day 1.  During yesterday’s ride I experienced intense exuberance.  Exuberance one doesn’t feel every day.  And that’s saying a lot because my life is filled with exuberance.  Remember, I am blessed beyond measure.  I just really want to get out there and continue to feel that exuberance!  So hopefully this weather will pass, the sun will shine on us glowingly, and we will be blessed with newfound strength and invigoration to hit the road soon.

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 17, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    Rainy days and Tuesdays always get me down....... Understand your bummer mood. Remember that those who are helping you make this adventure possible (Jill, Bruce, et al) are doing so because they want you to be able to achieve this dream! You should fly Jill out to join you on the trip for a couple of days -- she could ride with Bruce and get your mood a great lift! Also, be thankful you have just rain, sleet and snow -- it could be the tornadoes that are battering the country's midsection -- and could have blown away Bruce and the RV! Hopefully today's weather will be better and / or you can find something interesting to do in town. Hang tough and enjoy!

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