The Long Ride

A Purpose-Driven Bicycle Ride Across America

Day 37: Chapter Three Begins

Silverthorne to Fairplay, Colorado

39 miles

3,209 feet of climbing

I’m in a small motel in Fairplay, Colorado and for the first time, wondering if I want to go on with the ride.

I was home with family and friends for Father’s Day weekend and had a wonderful time, full of love, laughter and companionship. And now I’m alone in a motel.

I knew getting back out would be hard and it is. I’m writing this in the middle of the hard. In the middle of the raw emotions of it.

Today’s riding was short, steep and wonderful as my brother-in-law joined me for the day and my lovely sister carried my bags over Hoosier pass. And there’s more to the day than the riding.

I leave my mountains tomorrow and head into the heat of the plains. I’m having a terrible time not future-casting. I’m working hard at staying present.

I’ll ride to Canon City tomorrow. Leave early, try to beat the heat and the wind. Keep pedaling. And I’ll keep choosing. Stay, go. Quit, finish. One day at a time.

I promised myself that I would be transparent on this blog. This is how I feel in this moment. Tomorrow is another day and time is an interesting thing.

Love you all!

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4 responses to “Day 37: Chapter Three Begins”

  1. Al Hulbert Avatar
    Al Hulbert

    You are doing great! All you have to do today is ride this day and only this day. Resist the undertow of worry about tomorrow and just get up and ride…today.
    As for our MT trip, we finished and got swept up in all the rains and high rivers. A different trip, but a good one nonetheless. Glad we met you on Lost Trail Pass and in Jackson!

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    1. johnwittry Avatar
      johnwittry

      Thank you Al! I appreciate the encouragement!

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  2. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I feel your inner conflict. Running marathons was a much smaller venture but I recognize the inner conflict nonetheless.
    Keep pedaling, follow your heart – it can take you places your head can’t.

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  3. Judy Crawford Avatar
    Judy Crawford

    Hey John – i know you have sooooo many supporters, far closer to you than a chance roadside meeting can compare, however, i’ll prevail regardless. The hardest event is leaving the familiar. Our tour drew us toward home after 2 months on the road. After a 3-day stay and so much fun, companionship and camaraderie it took days to re-engage. So, i guess the message is . . . take it one day at a time for a week, or so before you re-negotiate your sentiments. Consider and give thanks for the hopefulness of the daily sunrise; embrace three things you look forward to and at the end of the day give thanks for three things that you appreciated. Go back to basics. And, oh, by the way, (and no shortage of encouragement from your post to get “out there this weekend” )we did our longest training ride in anticipation of our Northern Tier attempt in July. Thank you Keep on keepin’ on

    Judy Crawford, RN, WEMT NOLS Faculty 307-349-0645

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