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Riding a bike across America to raise awareness for mental health. Write your own story.
06/25/2021
Day 7: Solo
“How do you feel?”
Incredible.
The last couple days have been draining.
It just felt like something had to go wrong one way or another.
We knew that it wouldn’t be easy coming into this, but maybe not that it would all happen so soon.
I’m not quite sure if it’s getting better, or if we are just starting to adapt to this life.
No, we are definitely adapting.
Last night we got kicked out of a Walmart parking lot and tonight we have the grounds of a distillery to ourselves.
The ride today was beautiful.
I rode solo on a greenway and saw some of the prettiest neighborhoods I have ever been through.
I spent a significant portion of the day in the flow state.
This made the heat more bearable, and the first day of significant climbing almost invisible.
However, what I didn’t notice for that portion were my surroundings.
Towards the end, I looked up and saw how pretty the clouds were for the first time.
This made me wonder what else I missed.
This makes me want to balance better.
The goal is to ride..
But I shouldn’t get so focused on the end goal that I miss the journey.
“Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in awhile, You could miss it.”
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Day 6: The first Rain
“How do you feel?”
I feel childish.
I mean that in the best way.
Today was the first rain of the trek.
Me, this time last year, probably would have groaned at the idea of getting drenched for 2 hours on a 58 mile bike ride..
But today was my favorite day yet.
I felt like a kid playing in the rain.
I stuck my tongue out..
I saved a turtle from the road..
And I kept smiling.
If it rained everyday, it might be a different story.
This contrast is important.
Yesterday it was hot and sticky, so I was relieved when the rains came.
Tomorrow, if it’s hot again, I’m sure I’ll be grateful for the rains the day before.
The same goes for life.
It all depends on the way you look at things.
Without the “lows”, you will never be able to truly appreciate the “highs”.
Without these waves of “storm” to test us..
And the good times to relax in and enjoy..
this life would be bland.
So choose to look at the bright side of things.
And dance in the rain as much as you can.
📸-
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The goal of this journey is to raise mental health awareness.
We partnered with and our goal is to raise $150,000 so that we can save as many lives as possible along the way.
Please help us make this difference. Follow , share our stories, and if you can, please donate to the nonprofit link.
06/19/2021
Day 3: The Lost Boy
“How do you feel?”
Nostalgic and hopeful.
I was deeply reminded of happy memories from childhood today.
I rode 4 miles out of the way just to say I rode in Virginia.
The state I lived in until I was 8 years old.
Before I moved so many schools and stopped riding the bus.
As I approached the sign reading, “Virginia is for Lovers”, I experienced unexpected emotions.
It wasn’t sad, but more of a longing I didn’t know existed.
As I got closer, a man pulled into his driveway.
I rode across the border, then turned around and pulled up next to the man.
Mike is his name.
I can’t help but think he was there so I wouldn’t have to experience this moment alone.
He was very friendly and kept me grounded on mile 33 of 70 for the day.
While intense and unexpected, I love these little moments when you can’t explain when or why you feel a certain way.
And not being able to explain it is okay.
📸-
-
The goal of this process is to raise mental health awareness.
We partnered with and our goal is to raise $150,000 so that we can save as many lives as possible along the way.
Please help us make this difference. Follow , share our stories, and if you can, please donate to the nonprofit link.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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