Monday Motivation - Bo Jackson

 "Set your goals high and don't stop until you get there" - Bo Jackson

I am not in the best physical condition, at least not when it comes to doing a long distance, multiple terrain-crossing bicycle ride. Someone trying to take on this ambitious ride should be in a similar condition as those who compete in the Tour de France. I could maybe survive a stage or two of that ride. Thankfully my ride is not a race and the only time limit is the 22 days, not a time trial every day.

I have created a ride that will challenge me mentally as well as physically and while I am terrified, I am also looking forward to it. I've been tested in my life as everyone has but I have rarely had the opportunity to test myself on such a large scale. This will be a real learning experience for me and a chance to see what I am made of for perseverance, determination, and grit. I know I will have to dig deep within myself and push beyond my current limits to achieve this goal. Doubt will creep in, most likely on a semi regular basis, but I know how much I want this and how important the cause is to me. That should be enough to keep me going. 

While there are days that are distances I have already conquered, they may also contain climbs or terrain I have never faced. I do my best to train and think of the best way to prepare but the fact is, some things I cannot go out and accomplish easily. I cannot get used to riding in multiple types of weather because I am faced with a very static climate. It is hot and sunny in Las Vegas almost all the time. There is virtually no humidity, at least compared to mid-West states such as Illinois and Missouri. I have some mountain climbs around me but few would be like the ones in New Mexico or Arizona. I can ride through the city but that won't prepare me for following a path through cities I have never visited.

But I will make it through. I will pedal and push until I cross the finish line each night and when I finally come across the end in Santa Monica I will know I gave it my all and achieved something that seemed impossible and that I did it for reasons important to me as well as doing it for myself. Each mile ridden is another I never thought I could do. Every milestone accomplished will be a reason to push for the next one. Finding that inner strength is not only about riding across Route 66 and being successful in a bike ride but about proving to myself I can do what I set out to accomplish and being proud of myself for reaching that goal.

Today Motivation - Elon Musk

 "When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor." - Elon Musk

Riding a bicycle over 2300 miles in 22 days seems like an impossible task. There are a number of elite athletes who would be able to do it and at a rather quick pace. Those who compete in events like the Tour de France wouldn't blink an eye at this ride. But I am not one of them. This is a ride I could condition for over the course of several years and still wouldn't feel like I was ready. I train but I am sure it will not be enough no matter how much I do over the next couple of months. But that isn't going to stop me either.

I am unknown, and in average shape at best. I struggle emotionally because of my diagnosis with PTSD and that puts a horrible amount of self doubt in my mind regularly. All of these are reasons I want to do this ride. It would be a good cause if I were a top tier athlete and I would still want to do this but my being average, and having the struggles I do makes me closer to those I want to help. It is my goal to bring awareness to those struggling like me. Those that feel like just getting through the day is impossible sometimes and no matter what they do they feel like the world is overwhelming. When PTSD attacks you can feel alone even if you have a support system. That is exactly what this ride represents.

Route 66, depending on the stops is between 2300 and 2500 miles. I will not be following the path through Santa Fe, NM which makes it the shorter of the two versions but it is still an average of over 100 miles per day. No matter how difficult the physical side of it is though, getting out there to raise money and awareness for the organizations that do their best to help people like me. It doesn't matter how difficult the terrain, I will summon my reserve energy and use whatever assistance I need to cross the path. No matter how alone I feel I will know I have my chase car and team supporting me. Regardless of how tired I am I will simply think of the days where it felt impossible to get out of bed and remind myself of how far I have come. I am out there representing so many like myself and I want to give them someone to believe in and cheer on.

By pushing forward and remembering the people I will ride for each day and the charities I am trying to help, I will have the motivation to overcome obstacles that may feel too large to face. It is that important to me to step outside myself and put my own comfort and desires to the side in order to do something representing so many more who are fighting so hard just to make it through day to day. I feel them in my heart and I will find my strength through them as I pedal across the states. The name of the event is Ride 22 On 66 but the part that means the most to me is the secondary part. Pedaling Through, Strength Driven. I am sharing my determination with all who understand this fight and taking my strength from their perseverance.