Daily Diary: The Wellness Ride Across America
So, the title sums it all up. This summer, from July 20th — October 10th, I’ll be biking across America on The Wellness Ride, which is an 85 Day Athletic Art Installation designed raise meals for the hungry and educate on the accessibility of wellness, encouraging individuals to invest in their own wellness.
For the ride, I’m going to use Medium a bit differently and treat it like a diary, updating this feed daily with the raw and intimate details of my adventure. Nothing is off limits.
So you might want to save this story or even bookmark it so you can pop back in and see how the ride is going. And, if you’d like to join for a leg or the ride or attend any of the free community events, you can RSVP on The Wellness Ride’s landing page.
Let’s get personal,
Human. Richie.
Day 1 | July 20th | Saunderstown, RI
I apologized to a deer today. I’d been in Rhode Island for a few hours already and the sun was setting on my right. This must have been my west. The deer was in a clearing, a grass gallery of Caterpillar machinery. I was a guest. We, were supposed to be guests. The deer was startled when I said “I’m sorry” and ran off into the woods that remained. And I, continued on. Today was hot, a heat index of 112, but today happened, and so will tomorrow.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 2 | July 21st | New London, CT
I told a beetle to fuck itself today. Which wasn’t kind. The beetle flew into my cheek, as I neared the top of a 2 mile climb. My irritation was not at the insect, but at the difficulty of the climb. And, I wasn’t fair to the beetle. As I rode away I came back to a theme for the ride: Everything Ends. The climb ended. This ride will end. Knowing everything ends offer two immediate outcomes: enjoy it for it will end, or endure it for it will end.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 3 | July 22nd | New Haven, CT
There’s a soreness in my limbs I know will find relief in New York City. For now, my hands crinkle in my lap, drooping at the wrist like a tired orangutan. Sleep becomes emotional when delayed and carrying conversations has proved harder than pedaling.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Natural Buffalo Ranch Nut Clusters
Day 4| July 23rd | Stamford, CT
I’m not comfortable accepting generosity. But, when one reaches levels of fatigue, thirst, and hunger, exhaustion overrules comfort. I recognize my temporary is many’s reality. When you encounter this reality, don’t look away, or cross the street. Meet it. Seek to understand it, and attempt to be a difference. Think: How can I improve this situation? New York tomorrow.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 5 | July 24th | New York City, NY
Do you talk to yourself? I talk to myself. I actually make characters, that talk to each other. There’s Guiseppe, Francois Bouchard, Maria’s Lover, Thomas McKinney, and Slav. I’ll show you them sometime. They help pass the time. I came through the Bronx and Harlem today. Visited a school. Had a salad. NYC, I’m yours.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Natural Ceylon Cinnamon Nut Clusters
Day 6| July 25th | East 38th & 2nd
I was reminded about the importance of community today. From a Starbucks run in and Brooklyn sidewalks, to a chance schedule alignment and a coordinated evening of college friends. Community, defined by the relationships we nurture, is something that even when we stray from, we can return to, so long as we have intent and love. Thank you NYC for this today.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Banana Protein Crunch
Day 7| July 26th| Brooklyn, NY
A truth of our actions is that we will receive criticism. Debate and difference in opinion populates our neighborhoods but also makes us, human. So long as our intentions are pure, no amount of criticism should shake us. Others don’t always know the intimate details of our actions, but if we trust our motivations and know they positively contribute to a greater good, then don’t slow down.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Blueberry Hemp Protein Crunch
Day 8| July 27th| McCarren Park, NY
These are facts: I’m 28 years old and played capture the flag with my friends today. I’m 8 days into an 85 day adventure. I took the day off from biking. I miss sparrow. Sparrow is my bike. Vegan ice cream has come along way. Domino park is the real deal.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Mocha Latte Crunch
Day 9 | July 28th | Brooklyn, NY
Complete rest on the eve of week 2 and leg 2. I set out into Pennslyvania in the morning and feel that the ride truly begins now. A full week of art ahead. A full adventure to enjoy. An apple and a night of deep sleep await before the Williamsburg bridge becomes my first incline of the week. Goodnight.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Banana Protein Crunch in Forager Yogurt
Day 10| July 29th | Lawrence Township, NJ
It crushed me. A flat tire on mile 7. Mile 7 on a day that was set to be my biggest yet: 68 miles. Then one mile on the US-1 Trucking Route, followed by 10 miles of wind. Today didn’t beat me, but it had an early lead. I realized this ride will challenge me mentally more than physically. I can’t control the strength of the wind, but I can control how I respond to its gust. Finished with 69 miles. Told you today didn’t beat me.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Mocha Latte Crunch
Day 11 | July 30th | Conshohocken, PA
Boston, Providence, New London, New Haven, Stamford, Brooklyn, Trenton, Philadelphia. On the side streets of these cities, I witness gentrification at 14 miles per hour. And, I know that I am gentrification. I pedal solutions into my mind, and then I pedal off. My only footprint being the smiles exchanged at intersections.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 12 | July 31st | York, PA
Do I listen to strategy, which is experience, or do I listen to my body, which is instinct? This isn’t a riddle. I had to confront my patience today. I turned a “what could have been” into a reunion with a friend and have found new time for exploration tomorrow. This is a journey of unknowns no matter how prepared I claim to be.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 13 | August 1st | Fayetteville, PA
I’m affected by my observations. Overwhelmed by empathy while also being so discouraged by interactions. My biggest battle is with expectation. Forgetting what I’ve written about contentment and focusing only on the fear of complacency. A short-term mindset driven by fear. But, I should embrace fear. I should also sleep. Today was hard. I’m tender.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 14 | August 2nd | Hancock, MD
I’m not seeking discomfort. If anything, the opposite. And with this expectation, I find myself irritated easily. A detour, an unexpected hill, an interruption from the plan of any sorts. Previously, I return to breath. To a practice that I’ve strayed from. Writing this is an awakening. I’ll return to practice.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 15 | August 3rd | Meyersdale, PA
I spend my day watching deer and rabbits scatter the path when they hear my tires.
And I end my day watching videos of humans scatter malls and festivals when they hear the sounds of gunshots.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 16 | August 4th | Pittsburgh, PA
A stranger commented to me how freeing it must be to just ride. I told them I have no commitments when this ride is over and some of the ideas I have in response to “what’s next?” But, right now, I am not feeling this freeing piece. I ride past rivers, focused on posting big rides and finding a warm shower. I don’t need to slow down my pace, but I need to sink into this ride more. I should jump in more rivers.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Mocha Latte Crunch
Day 17 | August 5th | Pittsburgh, PA
I saw a quote on the side of a building today. It was from Roberto Clemente. It read:
Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth
I liked it. Tomorrow, I’ll ride over the Roberto Clemente bridge and head towards Ohio. I’ll take this quote with me.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Natural Buffalo Ranch Nut Clusters
Day 18 | August 6th | North Canton, OH
“Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My loneliness ain’t killing me no more
I, I’m stronger” — Britney Spears
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 19 | August 7th | Ohio City, OH
I have a high expectation for interaction. For how we treat one another. I’m finding that I’m able to be thankful, but have a difficult time expressing gratitude, and on the ride today I was working to find the relationship between the two. A shower, a shelter, a meal are all things I believe we are supposed to do for others. Inconveniencing our lives in order to accommodate those close to us shouldn’t be chosen with the intention of a receipt. This thought still needs work. Maybe thankfulness and gratitude are different.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Natural Buffalo Ranch Nut Clusters
Day 20 | August 8th | Cleveland, OH
I spent a day with dogs. Two of them. My first day off in two weeks, spent touring Cleveland. A proud city. A city with a current pulsing through it. I’m all in. A city foreign to me. Foreign environments, foreign relationships but meeting people who know of the ride, wanting to talk about the ride, coming to an event is such a validation that this exists outside of my dependents.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 21 | August 9th | Cleveland, OH
Friendship. Often a word where the quality of one is determined by the length of the relationship. This ride has returned me to those decade long relationships but has also introduced me to new friends that after only hours I know will be lifelong ones. I think over the past few years, by investing in myself, I’ve brought new attention to the company I keep. Energy is transferred, and I am not willing to compromise the transactions around me.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 22 | August 10th | Cleveland, OH
There’s so much here. I feel like my shovel struck the gold. Kindness. Humans that don’t give you the opportunity to question their intentions because they’ve shown a smile before you can question. And this lake. To me, it looks like an ocean. A woman told me you can see Canada from the tall buildings downtown. We’re going to dinner at Barrio and then out in Ohio City. It feels like a true off day.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Natural Buffalo Ranch Nut Clusters
Day 23 | August 11th | Wooster, OH
Back on the bike. Back to abandoned four-way stop intersections, cows and corn, and pick-up trucks with American flags on the back of them that make you question what the flag stands for. I rode by a church. The service must have just ended as the congregation was filing out. Conversations continued, the elderly were escorted to their cars, and I craved to be a part of it. I don’t keep a religion, I just wanted interaction. The red part of Ohio.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 24 | August 12th | Mt. Vernon, OH
This ride is an exercise in confidence. Each interaction doesn’t provide the time to waste on non-critical exchanges. And I involve the word critical, knowing things aren’t life or death, but with all the moving parts of this ride in addition to general exhaustion, any moment not focused to me is a waste. But, with each direct conversation is the necessity for delicacy. I need to lead with kindness, and truth, from a place of strength. This boils down to confidence. This ride is an exercise in becoming comfortable with confidence.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 25 | August 13th | Columbus, OH
The polarity between urban and rural continues to populate my pedals. I’m confidently in the midwest now and in complete exploration mode. The familiarity of the coasts is absent. I’m also sinking into this journey, documenting it, speaking about it, inviting debate and discussion along the way. My miles have decreased in an attempt to slow down, and so far I am enjoying it. This ride has become a meditation.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 26 | August 14th | Columbus, OH
7.7 Billion people inhabit the earth and we all have a unique experience. Despite all the common ground, it’s the slight differences that become so significant. We’ve allowed ourselves to be defined by a six-pack of identifiers, omitting the catalog of common ground. Our defaults are to seek what separates us, rather than to seek what unites, all within the arena of competition. I’ll distill this to one line: Life’s unpredictable, release your ego, lead with love and be fucking kind.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Chocolate Crunch
Day 27 | August 15th | Centerville, OH
The redundancy of the ride is wearing on me, as are these midwest winds. I’ve scaled back to more consistent 60 mile days though today was an exception. I heard of this town Yellow Springs, advertised as “unlike the rest of Ohio” so I stopped by. It felt like a movie scene, it felt familiar, it felt safe. Something rural America hasn’t really provided. I’m going to visit Dayton in the morning to confront America. I’m nervous.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 28 | August 16th | Richmond, IN
Each day I find more comfort in this ride, which allows me to have more fun. Yesterday I spent time off the bike in a forest and today I didn’t rush the morning. I feel like I have my swagger back. Still, there are things to work on: Camping still sucks in the heat, my sweet tooth is only getting stronger, I need to get to sleep earlier. But, I’m here for it all.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Chocolate Crunch
Day 29 | August 17th | Indianapolis, IN
You know that by speaking of The Wellness Ride will only invite more to join, but you’re tired and want silence. But then, when you ride you crave companionship and conversation. This isn’t a grass is greener situation, this is just your reality Richie. Maybe you’re doing too much and still need to sink into this ride more. Will you jump in a river this week?
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Banana Protein Crunch in Forager Yogurt
Day 30| August 18th | Bloomington, IN
I pretended I was biking to Ellen today. I was going to ride onto the stage, do a lil dance, introduce her to Guiseppe, have a few laughs and she’d donate several thousand meals. And then a hill slapped me in the face. The wind was brutal today too. So bad that it was whipping my shirt against my skin and cutting my nipples. So, I rode shirtless. Is that too much info?
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 31 | August 19th | Marshall, IL
I told a tiger that I loved it today. I looked it straight in the eyes and let it know. It’s name was Beaux. Not a romantic love, but a love that said “I see you. I admire you. I am in awe of you. I will be your voice.” And I don’t take love lightly. I’m in a tent. Crickets, a distant dog barks, a midnight train. The sounds of sleep.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 32 | August 20th | Effingham, IL
One month in. I raced a storm today. The storm won. I’ve never seen clouds so dark, move so fast. It quickly let me know to get the fuck off the road. It blew me across the double yellow lines, fortunate no trucks coming in either direction. Lesson learned. I’m finding that wellness needs to be convenient, and in more rural areas it simply is not. Gas stations compete with recognized fast-food chains with signs a hundred feet tall. Where are the healthy options? Even I’m caving.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 33 | August 21st | Troy, IL
Everyone keeps asking me what I do when I’m not biking across the country. I don’t have a good answer. Sometimes I say I write, other times I say freelance, and when I’m confident and interested in more conversation I say “I think of stuff and then build it.” I see myself as a creator, as an artist. I think we’re all artists. Every piece of our lives can be art. It’s a mindset. I also experience moments of anxiety when I am asked these questions because come October 10th when this is over, I have no commitments. It’s freeing, but also terrifying. A seesaw of emotions.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Banana Protein Crunch in Forager Yogurt
Day 34 | August 22nd | Ladue, MO
I undressed under the arch in downtown St. Louis and I feel great about it. My thoughts didn’t descend to a when did we start wearing clothes spin, I just feel great. I felt a bit wild. I felt confident. On this trip I don’t have a partner in crime that can give me that boost of confidence when I need it. And that’s one of the exercises of this adventure. Watch out when I find some friends.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 35 | August 23rd | St. Louis, MO
By opting in to this ride, I chose to suffer. Now, I am learning to surrender. A new and good friend took me to a yoga class tonight. There was no yoga. It was a dance class. Complete wild, safe, unchoreographed dance. By not fully surrendering I am suffering, but not the suffering I chose. This is unintended. I can learn.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Banana Protein Crunch in Forager Yogurt
Day 36 | August 24th | St. Charles, MO
The hardest parts of this ride have nothing to do with the bike. The perfect photo, a new video, writing, documenting this, sharing that, visiting here. All pieces of this ride I, at times, resent but deem necessary. The sharing of story is a critical part of the fundraising. There is still a long way to go to reach 5,000 meals, but we have time.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 37 | August 25th | Hermann, MO
Do fish like rain? Do they know it’s raining even? I don’t know. I pass so many tree’s and wonder what it would be like to swing in them. I pass so many caves and think about the sleek cats that used to live in them. I’m no explorer, just heading west. It feels as if I’m losing my grip. A warm shower sure can change things.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 38 | August 26th | Jefferson City, MO
I’ve never seen the show The Ozarks but where I am biking right now is based off it. So the locals tell me. The locals all tell me things about rain and floods. We bond over our dislike for rain. I’m focused on getting to Kansas City and taking a day off, I can just feel my body exhausted, my mind too. Rain is so fucking beautiful from inside the window. I slowed down enough to see a turtle smile today.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar and Banana Protein Crunch
Day 39 | August 27th | Windsor, MO
A confession: I sneak vitamin water from the fountains at Subway’s when I go to fill my bottles with just water. I add a splash for flavor. Don’t tell. Oh, it’s rural. No wifi, no cell service. Complete first world problems. Forces me into reading, into dining in complete silence. And sleep. An opportunity to rest 11 hours, uninterrupted. I didn’t know I needed this.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 40| August 28th | Kansas City, MO
I am gravity’s pawn. I am the wind’s pawn. I alter routes for less wind only to find hills, fewer hills only to find wind. I can’t control the weather, just how I sail through it. Flat tire, my third of the trip, but this one with no frustration. I trusted my ability, and I was content with the break. No need to make a habit out of this though. Big cities comfort me. KC for 2 days!
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Organic Raw Dark Chocolate Covered Goji Berries
Day 41| August 29th | Kansas City, MO
Two sides to every story right? Same for the day. Woke up rested, excited to unload stories. Then, coffee. Now I don’t drink coffee, and this caffeine wired me to a point of discomfort. To a point of sit in the shower, legs crossed, slow breathing, fucking panic. Tomorrow I enter Kansas and have been unable to fully map it out, so I’m sure that isn’t reducing any stress or anxiety. Can you sense it in these words?
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Organic Raw Dark Chocolate Covered Goji Berries
Day 42| August 30th | Topeka, KS
Days can so quickly change. What started as a poor sleep morning with missing packages turned into so much excitement for this weekend of riding. Kansas is here. Lunch in Lawrence, dinner in Topeka and now a good night sleep. Oh! I forgot, I was chased by a big dog on a gravel road for a bit today. I had been warned about this. Now I know.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 43| August 31st | Beloit, KS
My longest day ever. Not just on this ride. Ever. And I need to address this: I ate plants. I ate bananas and trail mix, Healthy Truth Recovery Bar’s, more bananas, a chipotle bowl, and some dates. I didn’t count calories, carbs, or proteins. I simply listened and respected my body, and ate plants. It’s simple.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 44| September 1st | Hill City, KS
A day of 12-minute hills and sunbathing snakes on top of the world. Or at least what felt like it. The rolling hills of the Kansas plains deliver vistas. Sights, miles and miles in every direction. In a way, it’s like being at sea, if the grass were water. No proof of human existence in any direction, dangerous animals hiding near, the need to carry all your resources, and grasshoppers — the dolphins of the plains!
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 45| September 2nd| Burlington, CO
To a cow I am foreign. To a horse I am boring. I crossed Kansas today. 8 days ahead of schedule. Yes I had the wind, and the roads were flat but I executed a plan, and for that, I am fucking proud of myself. I was silently carrying a mix of nerves and hyperfocus these past 3 days. I wanted Colorado bad. For my mind. I wanted to make a statement and I did. Kansas in 3.5 days. From Friday morning at 9 am to tonight at 6 pm, 471 miles, 16,000 feet, and 32 hours: Colorado.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 46| September 3rd| Limon, CO
Everyone likes to correct how I say this towns name - Oh, it’s not a flavored rum? I didn’t want to be on the bike today. I didn’t want to be on dirt roads today. I didn’t want to get a flat today. I didn’t want to get another flat today. I wanted to continue celebrating. I’d rather be consistent than timely. It’s my relationship to risk. I’ll show up day after day, but I may not have that MAJOR day. I’m thinking if I really believe that though.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Day 47| September 4th| Denver, CO
My first day on a highway. And I loved it. The thrill of riding next to 18-wheelers driving 80 miles per hour was a rush. It forced me to focus. Hyperfocus. This past week I’ve set a plan and today feel as if every piece of it was executed. I learned how to patch a tire. I was forced to. Denver excites me because I can find comfort in friendships.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Recovery Bar
Days 48–52 | September 5–9 | Denver, CO
Off days. Complete rest. Rest to the point of boredom, but I knew it was necessary. I took the time to visit with friends, nourish my body, order more Healthy Truth snacks, shampoo my hair, sleep. I visited the Specialized Experience store in Boulder, wrote what was on my mind, and enjoyed a new city. Now though, it’s the eve of the final leg. I’m 1,200 miles out and ready to fucking send it home. Things are about to get exciting. Buckle up.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 53 | September 10th | Idaho Springs, CO
Excitement was high, then the phone rang. It was adversity. I should have declined the call, but I picked up. Three flat tires, broken chain, and a worn rear cassette, all needing repair, all before mile 10 today. Then at mile 60 my gears stopped working, a snapped cable. When it rains it pours. Today is the first day I didn’t make my destination. Tomorrow the challenge is first finding a shop in the Rockies to fix this, then on to Vail. Tender but focused. Tender but still optimistic.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 54 | September 11th | Vail, CO
Fear of the unknown is real. But there is also a bold naivety in not knowing. I know there is no quit, or stop in this ride so I’ve stopped listening to the locals who give advice, even though they’ve never ridden these roads by bicycle. I’m focused to finish this, so I just keep going. I’m doing my best to bring the energy and be this fearless person, or at least show you that, but I’m intimidated. The road to Vegas is rough.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 55 | September 12th | Carbondale, CO
Hills play fair. They don’t move, you know where they start and where they end. You know where there is warmth and where this is shade. But the wind. The wind hides. The wind you can’t see. You feel the wind. When trees are silent and weeds calm, your jacket will flap. That’s the wind. When flags droop, and bushes are only moved by scared chipmunks, your progress slows. That’s the wind. And you don’t know when it will end, when it will return, or when it will grow angrier.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 56 | September 13th | Grand Junction, CO
Conditions are getting harsh. Freezing temperature mornings lead to 10,000 foot climbs that turn into dirt roads populated with pebbles. Rest stops are few. Water is less. The beauty is constant but the struggle distracts me. I’m nervous. I’m focused. I’m still in it.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 57 | September 14th | Green River, UT
Do you know the discipline required to ration water in the desert? A question I answered today. 82 miles between water today. I made it 80 of them before I stopped and crawled off my bike into shade. Everything was dry. My lips, my nose, my throat. I was nervous. I waved down trucks on the highway, wiggling my water bottle at them. One stopped. 12 ounces of warm water from a man in a ballcap tasted like Coca-Cola from a glass bottle. So I now know two things: The discipline required to ration water in the desert, and how much water I need to pack for tomorrow.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 58 | September 15th | Torrey, UT
The rocks of Capitol Reef are pretty. I’ve been touring sites at 13 mph. Strangers tell me to “slow down” and explore these parks. I will, in time. I’m making notes of where I want to visit, with a car, with friends, with security. Right now I just want to get home. I want to know where I’ll sleep at night. I want to know what I’ll eat at night. I want to wake up knowing that the weather won’t make or break my day. I want to go for a bike ride and tell no one. Soon.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 59 | September 16th | Parowan, UT
The wind broke my spirit today. It split me at my seams and spilled me into the street. A day that saw 15 hours of work. A day that saw night riding in total darkness. A day that saw a bag fall of my bike on the highway. A day that saw a 4-foot high barbed wire fence that needed to be crossed. A day that saw me weep.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 60| September 17th | St. George, UT
I had been to St. George before and was excited to get back, but like the days before, I was greeted by adversity. The usual suspects, wind, flat tires, and hills. I’ve written before about how we always have a choice. Most times when we think we can’t change an outcome and have no choice, our choice is in the reaction. I chose to have less resistance to the adversity today. I knew I’d make my destination and I knew I’d sleep well. Another day closer.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 61| September 18th | Las Vegas, NV
I saw the wind was in my favor in the morning and set an early alarm. I was too tired and left late. 30 miles through a tight canyon highway and construction zones finished with a salute from a policeman. A stress was lifted. I knew I was allowed on the highway but that recognition came as permission. The rest of the day was hot with desert winds. A wind I had forgotten but quickly rests in one’s throat. Las Vegas is an interesting place.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 62| September 19th | Las Vegas, NV
A day off in Las Vegas started as each day of the ride does. With care. I first care for my body, my mind and then for my machine. I rode around Las Vegas searching for new tubes to prepare me for the final days of this ride. Then I rested, which felt like more than resting. It was healing. I tried to write how I felt but had a creative block. Or possibly, an emotional block. I’m beginning to not recognize myself.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 63| September 20th | Primm, NV
They say you can see Vegas from space. But, did you know you can see Primm from 17 miles away at night? Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino sign guided the me in off the exit. Casino’s depress me. Casino’s in Primm depress me more. We donated more than 200 meals today. I wish you could see it. I wish you could feel it. You’re making a massive difference in people’s lives. A quick sleep and back on the road. I’m going to beat the sun out of bed tomorrow.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Day 64| September 21st | Victorville, CA
A day that started with such hope. Hope that was tested. A brutal day on the road with flat tires. Six in total. Hitchiking to Barstow and back to keep the integrity of the ride. Eddieworld for a vegan burger. Today had everything, including a lay-up. I’ve put myself in position to finish this tomorrow.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Vanilla Protein Energy Bar
Day 65| September 22nd | Los Angeles, CA
A day that still had adversity but the moment I turned onto the end street, it vanished. Any resistance, any animosity inside left. This ride is over. I biked every inch from Canton, MA to Los Angeles, CA. I am proud of this.
Daily Healthy Truth Snack: Coconut Fig Energy Squares
Now that the ride is over, I’ve spent time digesting and reflecting on the entire adventure. I did my best to capture these reflections in a 3-part series.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
I share more intimate thoughts in a behind-the-words monthly newsletter that you can check out here. Or, join me on various social media platforms:
LinkedIn • Instagram • Twitter • Facebook
For those interested in my other creative works, my full creative portfolio is at RICKiRICKi.
