Time



Never a good sign in the parking lot...wet enough for you?

Time was on my mind all day yesterday.
It started at 5 AM when I looked out the window and saw the deep blackness of the sky. It wasn't too early, it was too stormy. Thunderstorms everywhere. Our 6:30 AM departure was delayed until after 10 AM. Normally this would not have been problematic, but we had 107 miles to go that day, and that just makes it long and late. Jeff and I actually made decent time, but that was because were were well aware of the minutes ticking, so we hauled hard and fast.

Time, time management was key...even before we started.

Time to train - we had to make certain we set aside time to properly train sufficiently. Other things went to the wayside to create time.
Time off - both of us had to leave our jobs, so we spent time setting the best laid plans.
Time to eat - on tour we have to make the time to refuel, not always a priority.
Time to recover - we try to get into our hotel as soon as we can so we can start the refueling and recovery, which leads to...
Time to rest - sleep is essential - enough can mean a great ride the next day.

I see time pass as we move from west to east, south to north. It's as if we're watching how summer emerges and crops grow - but in reverse. Out west, gardens were established, and some even past. Today we can see younger gardens, and blooms just opening.

We've gone back in time in many small towns, where whole families, including grandparents get together on Sunday afternoons at the local restaurants after church, sharing stories and milkshakes.

And recently, a new sense of time is tapping me on the shoulder. We're nearing an end time. In the beginning of this journey, Organized Tracy gave us each a folder, chock a block full of our schedules, and detailed cue sheets. This tome just about put us over our luggage weight limits. Now - the folder is thin...which means, we are on the downhill side (don't I wish) of this adventure. She said it would happen. That sense of it drifting away. Don't get me wrong - I miss so much - but this alternate life, these people, these encounters...timeless.

I guess the biggest time concept that I have spent many days reflecting on have to do with a time piece. If I've learned something from this trip so far is to truly honor the concept of being in the moment. We are told this in our yoga classes, and self help sections of magazines, but here - it is authentic. You cannot do this ride without being fully present in the moment.
You could miss a turn, miss a vista, miss a move..
So, time.
Time to have a glass of wine - it's a rest night. Cheers.

waiting

waiting

waiting

waiting

corn country

open spaces are taken over by trees in bits and pieces