Twin Bridges to Ennis, Montana

43 miles

2,142 feet of climbing

Hello, everybody.

End of day 24. Twin Bridges, Montana to Ennis, Montana. Short day today, and just beautiful, beautiful. This is just a stunning part of the world.

It was a tough start to the day, I was in small motel last night and spent too much time looking too far ahead on this rid. I started freaking myself out, and I woke up pretty melancholy this morning. But once I got on my bike, I was fine!

I think those are the hardest times, you know, I’m fine on my bike. It’s harder being alone in between riding. But I have great support again from family and friends.

Tomorrow and the next day are two big days. Tomorrow is 74 miles to West Yellowstone. I’m a little nervous about that, but really nervous about riding through Yellowstone, which is an 88 mile day with 5,000 feet of climbing. I’m trying to sort out what I’m actually going to do about that. But we’ll see. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

The navel gazing for today…

One of the more provocative keynote speeches that I give is one called No One’s Coming. The intention of that keynote speech is really personal accountability, trusting yourself, that you’re smart and that you can solve problems as opposed to looking to other people to solve your problems. That is just such a profound concept out here on the road.

No one can do the pedaling for me. No one can sort out groceries for me, no one can sort out laundry. No one can sort out where I’m going to stay. I have to do all that on my own.

So in that sense, no one’s coming. But I think there’s an addendum to that message that I will add in, and that is, while it’s true, no one’s coming, and I am self-sufficient, there are people that love to help me.

I had a fantastic conversation with my brother today, and my wife. People have been so kind here at the hotel, at the grocery store, and at the restaurant. So while people are not coming to take care of me and do the pedaling for me, I do see how important it is that in addition to being self-sufficient, I can also be open to receiving help where people can give help.

**Mike, if you watch this, the conversation today was really meaningful for me.

Thank you so much for taking the time. I love you.

Hope you’re enjoying the ride. I am, and I hope I will the next few days. I’m really nervous. See ya!