7//26 [2]

I figured out (arguably the hard way) there are quite a few life lessons to be learned from just riding a mountain bike. For example: if you start to lose your balance, and you’re worried you might fall, just loosen your grip and make sure you always keep moving forward; if you stop pedaling and overthink it, you might just hit the ground.

I’m still working through such a crash at the moment, both mentally and physically, and recently took my first “big” MTB ride back.

Both my fitness levels as well as my skills are feeling noticeably low… but luckily my outlook matches the elevation: an all time high. 

That last part isn’t entirely true, but at the same time my travels aren’t entirely one thing either.

During my stay in New Mexico, a hiker stopped by my truck around dinner time (because I cook and eat outside now) to inquire about my setup and my travels in general. He quickly told me he lost his wife in March when he considered packing up and starting a trip of his own, but he was scared of being lonely. He asked how I deal with feelings like that.

I told him the highs are really high, and the lows can be equally intense, but by that logic, things kind of even out.

That type of conversation is, ironically, a high for me because we’re both on our own journeys and choose to be vulnerable for a moment in time while we have it. In my opinion, that is the best way to pass time: in honest connection with others.

Another moment, I could be taking in one of the most beautiful vistas I’ve ever seen…

The next I could arrive at a new campsite, sit down, and wonder, “Wait, what am I even doing here?” Still trying to figure that one out as I write, honestly, but these are all just examples of the highs and lows. The hope is this wavelength of sorts should ultimately help me grow out of my comfort zone into new areas of the world and my personality I would never have sought to begin with.

No matter what I uncover, I am definitely moving forward and not looking too far into the past (unless I’m running from a massive storm, or my ex texts me out of the blue lol – same difference).

If there are storms ahead of me, I’m thankful to have my support network to get me through them (most of you reading this blog). I even got the chance to hang out with a few people this month – Connor celebrated his bachelor party in Oregon:

we even drove past a wildfire in the process…

But once I got back to CO it was all sunshine (and some hail). Big thanks to Joel & Ellen for having me out to Longmont!

Joel even took me on one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on…

Hopping back in the driver’s seat for much more to see in 8//26. See you down the road!