Jessica~ I vividly remember two times on my solo ride across America where I was crushed. It happens. The energy. The mental fortitude. The trucks. Being alone. In one of my cases… the extreme cold in West Texas of all places! These things add up, and it becomes a fulcrum. The triggers cause the tipping. Mine were: I was convinced I was going to receive word at my next destination that my grandfather had died. The other hit me like a ton of bricks a few weeks later in the middle of west Texas when I had an overwhelming longing to see my youngest brother.
In these moments, you are experiencing something no one else will really comprehend unless they have “gone solo”.
It’s the day after that solidifies your character and resolve. You’re correct. You don’t have to prove anything to anybody… not even yourself. You are doing something you love and that’s huge. And all the while, the Lord sends a “Steve” along at just the right moment. It’s a reminder; we are not meant to be alone, but to live in community and to care for one another.
A new day has dawned; the pedals crank and remember… there’s never a bad day in the saddle.
Ted — this is beautiful. Thanks for your wisdom and kindness and encouragement. And for sharing your own personal journey. This really helped get me through right when I needed it!
If we are speaking literal mileage you have already traveled the distance from Oregon to Virginia, given all the detours and unforeseen circumstances. If we are discussing personal growth you have traveled a distance far too great to measure! I could not be more proud of you! Today I am blowing cold air up from the south. I apologize in advance to all the northerners enjoying their warm summer.
“I still got a little farther, got a little tougher, and began preparing myself mentally for the possibility that tomorrow might be better”
Sending your own words right back to you!
Progress is in itself fulfillment. If you inch the rest of the way, or you stop now, you are progressing either way. You are living life! Striving! Inspiring and SHARING! And in sharing, others get to pull lessons from your journey for just what they need!
TY for your words. They hit me, probably the way the Airbnb sign hit you ☺️
Just know you have a perfect stranger rooting you on 🥳
Your journey is incredibly inspiring in no small part because of its difficulty. I know it’s impossible to see while you’re in it, but we’re all rooting for you!
You’re doing hard things. That’s important but will be hard. I’m greatly impressed at the effort and the success you’ve already had. Thank you for the interviews with Americans on your trip. This helps remind me that we are more connected than our politics. We are all living the same human experience. Keep bringing these stories and keep riding. Your journey will not end with this ride.
You are absolutely amazing! Where you started from, where you are, and where you're going next. I'm sitting on my comfy couch crying, imagining sitting on the side of the road with you. I think about you riding everyday, trying to pedal along with you. Hang in there, one mile at a time.
Thanks for sharing the real situation, and how you are really feeling. You are right, of course. You will recall the lows with clarity and the accomplishments will feel dull in the light of the struggle. What an adventure!
You got this!! I could never do what you’re doing and am so impressed by your journey 👏 If you quit right now I’d still be impressed. Either way, you’re amazing!
You are such a badass. Most people would never attempt even trying to plan a ride like this, let alone get as far as you have, as fast as you have! Take care of yourself, we need people like you.
This is so real. Thank you for sharing this side of things, too. I hope the misery of these hard days makes the light of the easy, smooth, gorgeous miles even brighter! (And also that you have some of those miles soon.)
Jessica~ I vividly remember two times on my solo ride across America where I was crushed. It happens. The energy. The mental fortitude. The trucks. Being alone. In one of my cases… the extreme cold in West Texas of all places! These things add up, and it becomes a fulcrum. The triggers cause the tipping. Mine were: I was convinced I was going to receive word at my next destination that my grandfather had died. The other hit me like a ton of bricks a few weeks later in the middle of west Texas when I had an overwhelming longing to see my youngest brother.
In these moments, you are experiencing something no one else will really comprehend unless they have “gone solo”.
It’s the day after that solidifies your character and resolve. You’re correct. You don’t have to prove anything to anybody… not even yourself. You are doing something you love and that’s huge. And all the while, the Lord sends a “Steve” along at just the right moment. It’s a reminder; we are not meant to be alone, but to live in community and to care for one another.
A new day has dawned; the pedals crank and remember… there’s never a bad day in the saddle.
Ted — this is beautiful. Thanks for your wisdom and kindness and encouragement. And for sharing your own personal journey. This really helped get me through right when I needed it!
If we are speaking literal mileage you have already traveled the distance from Oregon to Virginia, given all the detours and unforeseen circumstances. If we are discussing personal growth you have traveled a distance far too great to measure! I could not be more proud of you! Today I am blowing cold air up from the south. I apologize in advance to all the northerners enjoying their warm summer.
Thanks, mom! My biggest cheerleader!
Sweetie..it is so 🔥 and nasty. Please Please forgive yourself for crying in your sweating body. 😓 🙏 😢 Go slow and stay hydrated.
“I still got a little farther, got a little tougher, and began preparing myself mentally for the possibility that tomorrow might be better”
Sending your own words right back to you!
Progress is in itself fulfillment. If you inch the rest of the way, or you stop now, you are progressing either way. You are living life! Striving! Inspiring and SHARING! And in sharing, others get to pull lessons from your journey for just what they need!
TY for your words. They hit me, probably the way the Airbnb sign hit you ☺️
Just know you have a perfect stranger rooting you on 🥳
Thank you so much, Fíonna. This note truly meant the world!
You got this girl!!! I can’t even imagine what you have been through, but you are remarkable. Still can’t wait to read that book.
Keep on Keeping on, Jessica. Hopefully the cool wind reaches you and Virginia is getting closer. ❤️❤️❤️
Oh girrrrrl!!! Hang in there! We are all cheering you on from afar and sending chilly thoughts your way.
Your journey is incredibly inspiring in no small part because of its difficulty. I know it’s impossible to see while you’re in it, but we’re all rooting for you!
Thank you so much 💚🙂
You’re doing hard things. That’s important but will be hard. I’m greatly impressed at the effort and the success you’ve already had. Thank you for the interviews with Americans on your trip. This helps remind me that we are more connected than our politics. We are all living the same human experience. Keep bringing these stories and keep riding. Your journey will not end with this ride.
Thank you so much 💚🙂
You are absolutely amazing! Where you started from, where you are, and where you're going next. I'm sitting on my comfy couch crying, imagining sitting on the side of the road with you. I think about you riding everyday, trying to pedal along with you. Hang in there, one mile at a time.
Thank you so much — this is truly so kind and uplifting to me. I really appreciate the kind words :)
Thanks for sharing the real situation, and how you are really feeling. You are right, of course. You will recall the lows with clarity and the accomplishments will feel dull in the light of the struggle. What an adventure!
You got this!! I could never do what you’re doing and am so impressed by your journey 👏 If you quit right now I’d still be impressed. Either way, you’re amazing!
Thank you 💚💚
You are such a badass. Most people would never attempt even trying to plan a ride like this, let alone get as far as you have, as fast as you have! Take care of yourself, we need people like you.
Thank you so much 🙂
This is so real. Thank you for sharing this side of things, too. I hope the misery of these hard days makes the light of the easy, smooth, gorgeous miles even brighter! (And also that you have some of those miles soon.)
It definitely does, for sure. Thank you 🙂
You poor dear. So courageous in your vulnerability. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Hang in there, you are awesome! Cheering you on and
glad you found comfort for the night !
Thanks Joey :)