As preparation for the ride continues (and my discussions of the ride expand) people have occasionally inquired, "What made you decide to do it?" or "What is your motivation?". Having read any number of blogs from others who have done the same thing, I'm given to understand that these questions are pretty typical. The average sofa bound American can't fathom riding a bike even a few miles, let alone repeat days of 60+ miles. BTW - Thanks for that insight Nichole. She's my Administrative Assistant. Until discussing The Thin Blue Ride with her, I'd no idea there existed people of this ilk - not that she's "ilky". But back to the subject at hand... At least for me, there are many answers to this question. There is no single motivator. Sure, I'll see sights and meet people I never would have encountered had I not gone on the trip - and that will no doubt be enjoyable. But I'd be lying if I denied that at least some of the motivation has to do with bragging rights and some with funerals...
I believe I mentioned in an earlier post that several cycling friends and I had once ridden across the state of Kansas from South to North in a day. When I pitched the idea to Susan, her immediate reaction was denial. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't the typical "You’ve got to be kidding me" internal disbelief kinda denial that has become her staple when responding to my much maligned but utterly brilliant ideas. We're talking outright denial here - "No you're not." This was more like the -
It’s-not-safe-and-might-be-so-physically-strenuous-as-to-be-dangerous
- kinda denial. Hey - she's little, but she's feisty.
But being nothing if not a planner, at least when it suits me, I'd already considered this objection and as it turns out (what a coincidence) one of the guys going along was an ER Doctor. I try to never start shooting my ducks till I have them all lined up in a row, eh? Now how on earth could anything so simple as riding a bicycle be dangerous with an ER Doc along, I argued? This did little to assuage my bride's doubts, but the logic was inescapable and she eventually relented. (As a side note, I'm prety sure the Latin root for "relented" has something to do with being "worn down".) Though she steadfastly refused to go along, "Why would I want to see all that misery?”
Misery?! Bah - I responded, what's an IV between friends? After all, I'd already ridden across the State on BAK with Matt (this would be the Doc mentioned previously) on two occasions. So - the planning commenced and when the time/forecast proved favorable, off we went. On the day of the ride we pounced on the Pizza Hut buffet in Scott City after about 110 miles, wiped down and changed kits in the bathroom, oiled the chains up,and hit the road again. The ride went off without a hitch - well, except for the cramps in the last 15 miles. A guy can apparently only drink so much Gatorade... Anyway - all seven of us finished the ride that day. And, I might add, no tubes or needles proved necessary.
The point here is this, how many people do you know who can say they've ridden their bike across the state (pick any state) in a day? It would suck to be a Texan (well just generally, but specifically in this instance - apologies to Texans everywhere.) because of the distances involved. But Oklahoma? What's that skinny part of the state - maybe 30 miles? I ride that far for pancakes! Who cares about that? Kansas was the perfect state: 229 miles.
So - whether its riding across Kansas on BAK eight times (so far), South Dakota, The Thin Blue Ride, Crossing Kansas in a day; in my view lives worth living are remembered for exceptional reasons. It’s been my mantra for some time now that priorities in life matter and that the appropriate sequence is: faith, family, friends, and then work. What with retirement looming, work gets replaced with hobbies. Having some fun while at it can't hurt - but it does cause mild irritation amongst the safety conscious.
The point here is this, people often times are looking for things to say about the dearly departed at funerals. It’s awkward. I've decided that my mission in life is to make my funeral easy on the mourners. They can feel free to use the adjective of their choice in referencing me (Who am I kidding - they already do.) but at least they'll have something to talk about. Hopefully, most sentences at the funeral will start with, "Do you remember when he...?" I’ve observed at some funerals that the family will have a bunch of pics or a slideshow of the deceased. I think I’ll prepare mine ahead of time. Check below for a short preview...
This one is Susan and I at an MS150 SAG. We had a good time, as you can see.
Other than the cross-state-in-a-day ride, this one was a three day excursion with friends. Note: this is not BAK - which goes West to East. Having visited Nebraska and lived nearby for my entire adult life, I feel comfortable saying that that "good life" stuff is open to debate, but apparently Arbor Day is the real deal.
This is a friend from work and me. I'm in blue. The friend is Jeff Hooper, the newly installed Chief of Police in Hutchinson, Kansas. I believe the temperature that day was -3 degrees. Low temperatures apparently make ladies...cranky. I only say this because Susan thought I was an idiot that day. Clearly the temperature got to her.
If you've read my earlier posts you know I'm a Police Chief in Manhattan, KS. This pic was taken during the initial week long training all our bike guys go thru before being set free on a bike. I'm the third from the left. and yes - I could keep up. Good Lord, they're all so young they don't even know their knees hurt - yet...
Vail Pass on the Copper Triangle. About 5 miles to go on an 85 mile day. Interestingly, Vail Pass was a Category 1 climb (so I hear) from this side, but I thought the opening climb of the day was more difficult. Shorter, but a little steeper. My goal was 5 hours - missed it by about 15 seconds. Not bad for a flat lander.
This iguana kissed me on a trip to Cozumel and totally embarrassed Susan who was taking a pic of me at the time.
I snuck upon this free range pig in Lancester County, PA on an anniversary ride with Susan on the tandem. Pennsylvania pigs are both slower and dumber than those my Dad raised on the farm. This one was mildly irritated with me and I had to run like mad...
I believe that I've mentioned my kissing habit in a previous post, and that I'm from Manhattan, KS - home of the Kansas State Wildcats. On a day trip to Lawrence, this Jayhawk (In-State rivals) snuck up on me...
Ah yes - not me but one of my favorites. I'll tell two versions of this pic and maybe reveal the truth after a poll in a later post. Version 1: Susan and I were on a tandem ride on our 33rd anniversary when we were sideswiped from behind by an 80+ year old lady driving home after visiting her husband's grave on Memorial Day. This is the trooper who worked the accident. Version 2: The Trooper misinterpreted Susan's wave when he passed us while we were on a ride and Susan is proving that she really does have 5 fingers. Note the cool jersey.
Until next time...
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