SANTE FE, MN to ALBUQUERQUE, NM: 80 MILES
The Final Day of my (our) adventure of riding across the Rocky Mountains has been lived (survived). The day started a bit menancholy. It's hard to describe but one of those bittersweet moments where everyone his undeniably happy to make it a wrap, but also sorry knowing it's the end of an incredible journey all returning to the highs and lows of daily routine but all in the security of our loved ones. In the end that is what fuels us.
The day was beautiful… clear, perfect, blue high desert skies. There were a couple of moderate climbs and the only hiccup in the day for me was a flat at the 25 mile mark forcing me to use my last inner tube of the 5 spares I brought. One thing was clear early on, that today was about reflecting on the last 3 weeks as opposed to riding.
 |
| I'd SAY THIS RANCH WAS KICKIN' ASS? WOULDNT YOU? |
 |
| FINAL LUNCH: GRILLED CHEESE, TOMATOES AND HAM SANDWICHES. WHAT THIS TOUR SERVES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IS ALWAYS SO DELICIOUS! |
 |
| THE GANG |
In the past 3 weeks I've managed to ride 2,022 miles and climb nearly 100,000 thousand feet. I leave from this having learned 3 really important things:
- No one conquers the Rockies. We are simply tamed and humbled by them not the other way around. Regardless of your belief on how all this majesty came about, These mountains are nothing less than authoritative in their scale and glorious in their beauty. A powerful reminder of the vast scale of nature and how it is our duty and privilege to preserve them for future generations. "Lord, oh Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth" Psalm 8:9
- Family is not an important thing, It's everything. No matter your definition of "family" as lots of groups could potenailly define (biological/ atheltic/church/work) no life acheivement is worth a hoot unless you have someone to share it with. At the hardest moments of this journey nothing lit the soul of each athlete more than sharing about those most important to them. It was amazing to hear -- and share myself-- stories about children, spouses, grandchildren.
- Dont wait to live your life. I immigrated from Holland in 1953 at the age of 7 with my family of 7. I was the 4th of 5 boys. Sad to say at 68 years young, I am the only living survivor of my family. I lost my mother to polio my father of natural causes but all of my brothers are gone; victims of cancer, addiction and last year my youngest brother died one saturday while watering his yard in is California home. Its melancholy at times. Point is, none of us know when our number is up and unfortunatley It's common for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living (when I have enough money, enough time, etc…) I've been victim of this myself. But now I know that life is to be enjoyed not just endured!
We all arrived at the motel early afternoon and immediately began packing our bikes. Followed by an evening of music, a farewell banquet dinner and awards ceremony in old Albuquerque. It was really fun.
 |
| PACK IT UP! |
 |
| BANQUET |
 |
| JOB WELL DONE, JUST BEFORE BANQUET |
 |
| PACTOUR STAFF |
Having been able to share this experience with those close to me was truly rewarding and no-doubt therapeutic! I've had over 2,000 "reads" on this blog, I had no idea I was remotely that popular! Some of you I know, many not but I feel that you have become my friends and partners in this adventure. Thank you for sharing my experience with me.
Life is an experience to be enjoyed and shared with others. Don't wait to live your life … live your life today!!
Final tale of the tape
Todays miles 80
Total miles 2,022
Today's climb 3,000 feet
Total climbing on trip 96,000 feet
Hours in saddle 130
No comments:
Post a Comment