Riggins to Grangeville, Idaho

51 miles

3,540 feet of climbing

Well, day 16 of the long ride is in the bag. We are in Grangeville, Idaho. It was another long day of riding in the rain. All day today and most of the day yesterday it was raining and cold. and really all day today were in the rain and cold. At one point when we were at our wettest, it was 36 degrees. If you have been on a bike riding downhill, 36 degrees doesn’t feel good no matter how many clothes you have on, and I had most of my clothes on.

But it was a beautiful ride. In terms of navel gazing – which I had an opportunity to today because you just kind of had to put your head down and ride – there’s so much to be thankful for.

I’m so thankful for so much in my life – my family, first and foremost, my health, my clients, the opportunity to be in this great country…With Memorial Day, thank you to those who have served, and my heart goes out to all of those who have lost loved ones in various wars. I’m so appreciative of our freedom.

You know, thankfulness is a mindset. Gratitude is a mindset. It’s easy to find all the things that aren’t right, but it’s just as easy to find all the things that are right and all the things that are good.

Today was again, a very long, cold day, but mentally I was just being grateful for everything. I’m grateful for the bike. My son asked me how my bike was holding up in all of this weather, and has been fantastic. For those of you who care it’s a Salsa Marrakesh.

My rain gear has been outstanding. I’m wet from sweating, but I’m certainly not wet and cold from rain. So all of that has led to me being very, very thankful today.

I hope you will find opportunities in your own life to look closely at the things that maybe you’re taking for granted and that you too can be thankful for.

I hope you have a great start to your week.

Enjoy the ride. I am, obviously.