Reality Sets In…

Sunday March 25, 2012

Well, it’s getting very close to the time when I am going to head out.  Up till now its all been daydreams.   For years I’ve thought about getting out on a long ride.   I spent most of the last two months consumed by getting myself and all my equipment ready.   I’ve actually managed to pull this off! It’s taken up a huge amount of time and energy.
Now all the dreaming, and scheming and planning is over. All that’s left is to get on the trike and ride.   But reality is setting in. I can admit I’m a little nervous. Much more nervous than I’ve been on previous trips. I’m not really sure why – but I find myself obsessively worrying about several parts of this ride.

  • The trike is slow. I’m going to have to ride a couple of pretty long days. I’m not an athlete anymore, just an ordinary old guy. Is my body really ready for this level of physical challenge?
  • I’m going alone.  I’ll be away from Nancy, for weeks. I hate being away from home! Being home with Nancy and sharing our lives together is the happiest part of my life. Why do I want to voluntarily take myself away for an extended period?
  • I’m old and fat, and I’m going to sleep in a sleeping bag,  in a tent,  in the cold,  on the ground! How much am I going to hate that?
  • I’m going out into the world.  Dependent upon my own resources and the largess of others.  A world populated by scammers, rogues and thieves.  Will I get mugged and have my bike and all my belongings stolen?
  • Lots of this ride is up Highway 1/101.  With lots of traffic.  And trucks! I hate trucks. Is that really going to be any fun?

Holy %#$&^! What was I thinking? Is it too late to call this whole thing off?

Okay, Okay. Enough with the dark and depressing thoughts.   It’s just my morbid side peeking through. I really want to do this. I’ve thought of everything. I’m definitely not calling the whole thing off!  I’ve spent 2 1/2 years getting my body back in shape. I’ve done a bunch of long, hard rides in the last few months. Nancy and I will talk everyday. She will join me for a couple of weekends. I’ve camped a lot.  I’ve always liked camping.  Mid week traffic on the 101 isn’t so bad. People are basically good.

See – it’s all going to be OK.

Isn’t it?……