It’s all done, now what?……….

As I write this I’m sitting at a friend’s house in the Seattle area waiting out the last few days until my flight leaves.

It has been an interesting few days trying to adjust to being back around lots and lots of people while also trying to process my journey. In addition to my body slowly recovering and starting to feel normal again, I can’t shake off the urge to keep biking, re-affirming that the past 52 days of cycling were all that I knew for a short time.

Not having to get on my bike and cycle down to the next campsite every morning changes what was once my daily routine and it feels awkward not really needing to be anywhere but exactly where I am right now.

In addition, the constant question asked by people, “How does it feel now that it’s over?” is still hard to answer. Honestly, it is a weird mix of extreme sense of accomplishment and a very anti-climactic dull restlessness. I feel like I should still be doing something and just sitting here waiting for a plane feels numb.

I wasn’t expecting, or even wanting, some sort of parade or anything for me when I got back, but it still seems like in the larger picture, what I did really only mattered to me.

That I think, is the greatest and hardest part of these big trips. You embark on a big trip and challenge yourself in ways you never though possible. Then, upon returning home, you are surrounded by people who may be “impressed” by your stories and experiences, but ultimately have no idea what it was like to actually be there.

Try as hard as I can, I can not express to people the feeling I got waking up in a different strange new place every morning, how my morning routine became a sort of daily prayer, how it felt to coast down hills in the damp chilly morning air, how the feeling of sweat pouring down my face filled me with an inescapable sense of joy determination, how even the simplest of kind gestures became major highlights of the trip and ultimately how much the conclusion of a major trip leaves you desperate for more.

I am glad I finished cycling when I was at my highest and honestly can not wait for my next cycling adventure. The feeling I get out there is the most real and honest I have ever felt. Every day, every moment and every crank of the pedals brings me to a new experience that makes me the person I am trying to be. I am glad I did this and can not wait to get back out there and see what else this world has to show me.

For now, I still have a few weeks of time off before starting work again. I have more adventures planned and many people to see. Hopefully, this trip makes more and more sense as the following days come and go.

For now, I need a shave, haircut and a fine lady by my side. As per the usual, I will settle for a shave and haircut. My lady is somewhere out there wandering the hills and as always is waiting for me on my next adventure.

ciao.

ae.

On a ferry entering the good ol' US of A. Home sweet home.

Around that corner lies Seattle, the end of this journey. Or maybe the start of my next... not quite sure yet.

On the road, this look is acceptable. Back home, it feels and looks unkempt.

Halfway there to making myself looking somewhat presentable. Honestly, I prefer the grungy look... I look like someone else now.

Ultimately, this is what it is all about.