On the Road...Again

I like biking and camping; being outside and having a simple life. I rode the Great Divide last year because I thought it embodied exactly these things that I enjoy the most. A true recipe for happiness, no?

...no.

Something was missing. Something big.

It's no secret that I struggled with the ride. And, because of my experience last year, I was sure that I would never ride the Great Divide again.

Well, I have a confession to make. I've decided to do it again...because of my experience last year.

My experience on the Great Divide made me realize how important it is to share these experiences with friends. When two of my friends contacted me for advice on riding the Divide, I first advised them to pick another adventure.

That didn't work.

I looked at pictures from last year; at the mountains, the big skies, the lakes. I became frustrated that I was so busy feeling sorry for myself that I did not enjoy all of the magic around me. I also thought about the good times that I've had riding with these guys and imagined what it would be like to ride together again.

I realized that I had to join them.

My decision to do it again has little to do with the route and a lot to do with the people. It is going to be different this year. I'll have my crew. We may take more time. I might not even finish. I just want to bike and camp and enjoy the beauty of this world with friends. I'm going to find joy in the Divide this year.

I'm excited and terrified.

As I prepare again, I get flashbacks of some very dark moments and wonder why I'm doing this again...but then I remember great times with my friends and I know that there is nothing I'd rather be doing.