I suppose somewhere I should quickly mention the grandiose reason for this trip. Perhaps, I should first name what I am not doing this for.
I am not trying to make a statement, nor am I trying to prove anything to... anyone.
This is not a ride for charity (although those are very admirable), nor am I trying to set a personal record (although this will likely be one.) It is not because I am a masochist (seriously not), nor an avid cyclist (training? say whaaa?)
It is mostly for myself. Yea, selfish little me. I wanted to see a new environment, have a little bit of adventure (or a lot) and some time on my own (or a lot). I wanted it to be relatively affordable and yet rewarding. Also, on some level this trip all ties in with me starting a future career in public health - to effectively help different populations around the world, you ought to know the places and communities you are trying to serve. And I think traveling slow motion through the country might do that to some extent.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Brace yourself
Most people are dumbstruck by the idea of a little girl traveling the country on a bike. Face to face, they stare in disbelief and doubt. Over the phone, an uncomfortable silence forms that seems to linger throughout the rest of the conversation. No, I am not crazy. And yes, I know what I am getting myself into.
Ironically, neither the physical stamina needed to travel the full distance of 3800 miles in no more than 55 days, nor the mental strain of being on the road day after day, for hours at a time, with a high likelihood of butt pain and nothing but cornfields in sight, is the primary concern of those who question. Few have even asked me if the roads I'm taking are safe to ride. No, apparently those aren't the issues I should be worried about, since the real danger is that I will likely get shot, jumped, kidnapped, stabbed, pepper sprayed and kidnapped again. Trust no one, they say.
I find this mentality somewhat disturbing. To be clear, I know the risks and dangers that could potentially face me out on the road. They do exist, I am aware. But let me also put into perspective that the above mentioned dangers are not more likely to occur while I'm touring by bike than they are when I am walking home in the evening, or when I get up to go for a run. Not everyone is out to get you (only some are.) And to think otherwise greatly limits the potential of one's interaction and relationship with one's peers.
Every place I have thus far lived in or traveled to, is defined by the people that I interacted with and the things I observed and learned from them. So I say, stop this pessimism and this overly cautious way of living, you are missing out. You are missing out on gaining insight into the minds and worlds of others, into understanding why Joe voted for Obama and Jack for Palin (why, oh why?) But mostly you are missing out on forming new friendships and discovering things you didn't know about yourself.
Sitting in the comfort of my apartment, I already know that the experiences of this upcoming trip will only be as good as the things I will get to see (the Rockies, yo!), the things I will do off-road (explore, play the banjo and read, read, read) and the people I will meet. I will be on the road, always on the guard for speeding cars, horrendous weather conditions, and other unforeseen obstacles, but I will never miss the opportunity to take a break to chat with other folks along the road. Kidnappers and mass murderers, brace yourself, I'm on my way.
Ironically, neither the physical stamina needed to travel the full distance of 3800 miles in no more than 55 days, nor the mental strain of being on the road day after day, for hours at a time, with a high likelihood of butt pain and nothing but cornfields in sight, is the primary concern of those who question. Few have even asked me if the roads I'm taking are safe to ride. No, apparently those aren't the issues I should be worried about, since the real danger is that I will likely get shot, jumped, kidnapped, stabbed, pepper sprayed and kidnapped again. Trust no one, they say.
I find this mentality somewhat disturbing. To be clear, I know the risks and dangers that could potentially face me out on the road. They do exist, I am aware. But let me also put into perspective that the above mentioned dangers are not more likely to occur while I'm touring by bike than they are when I am walking home in the evening, or when I get up to go for a run. Not everyone is out to get you (only some are.) And to think otherwise greatly limits the potential of one's interaction and relationship with one's peers.
Every place I have thus far lived in or traveled to, is defined by the people that I interacted with and the things I observed and learned from them. So I say, stop this pessimism and this overly cautious way of living, you are missing out. You are missing out on gaining insight into the minds and worlds of others, into understanding why Joe voted for Obama and Jack for Palin (why, oh why?) But mostly you are missing out on forming new friendships and discovering things you didn't know about yourself.
Sitting in the comfort of my apartment, I already know that the experiences of this upcoming trip will only be as good as the things I will get to see (the Rockies, yo!), the things I will do off-road (explore, play the banjo and read, read, read) and the people I will meet. I will be on the road, always on the guard for speeding cars, horrendous weather conditions, and other unforeseen obstacles, but I will never miss the opportunity to take a break to chat with other folks along the road. Kidnappers and mass murderers, brace yourself, I'm on my way.
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