Reflections

It has taken me a while to get round to writing this - not because I have been busy with anything else (we’re in Phoenix hiding indoors from the 40deg + heat!) but because my mind has been resisting it and so I am making myself write this really and wondering if it’s of any relevance to anyone else but me. 

It still seems a bit uncomprehendable that we rode all the way from Banff to Antelope Wells-it’s a rediculously long way! My mind still breaks it up to manageable daily sizes as when we were riding this is how we got through each day- break it down and worry about each day at a time. 

So what have I learnt along the way?? 

I am stronger than I think, I can push myself and keep pushing myself to get to the end of that day even if I feel broken inside. 

I hate being apart from the people I love, I would rather share an adventure with them than without them - being apart from my family has definitely been the hardest part of this journey for me. Yes some days were hard, the road may have been rough, the pass may have been high and long, the climb hard but actually all those things are manageable and end at some point but being away from my family has been like a slow torture. 

I have also discovered that I actually don’t like following a predesigned route that much - I would prefer to choose my own route which has suprised me a little bit. 

I have discovered that I can take care of myself which really shouldn’t have come as a surprise but when you have been in a relationship with your partner for more than half your life you learn to rely on the other person - perhaps too much. 

It’s an interesting thing biking for so many days I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if your not comfortable getting inside your own head ! 

It has also had some amazing moments, we got to see some amazing sights, beautiful mountains, lovely valleys, dry deserts so many contrasts to our lush green New Zealand. 

And the people we have met along the way have been amazing, truely friendly and willing to help or invite you into their homes at the drop of a hat. So different from my preconceptions! 

The people we have met along the way really have made this journey, they have shown us the true America. 

So I walk away from this journey feeling truely grateful to have been able to experience it, to be able to dream a big dream and be able to complete it; especially when so many others did not. I feel proud that we chose to fundraise for a cause where we could help to make a real difference to children’s lives and I want to thank all the people out there that donated to this cause - thank you so much it really warms our souls that you decided to give to our cause when there are so many others out there as well. Thank you. 

And a final thank you to everyone that has followed our journey, it has been fun to share it with you all. 

Until next time, 🚲