Embrace Your Capabilities, Honor Your Limitations

Long ago I learned to embrace my capabilities and honor my limitations especially as it pertains to two wheels. After clicking off the last four states and crossing into Washington, I should of felt euphoric. I cried instead. Right there on the bluff overlooking the Columbia River, I sobbed.

I earned a few more items on my 'capabilities' checklist during this journey. Pretty much nothing I cannot do on two wheels. I also have a logical ending for my book, which has given me a tremendous sense of relief as a writer. I can now get busy and put it all together; most good writers know where the end of their book will be before they began, I didn't have that awareness until today. I also hit a wall with my limitations; the trip has been long, it has been arduous in the timeframe I established. It has been more like a full time job than a destination cruise. I have missed my wingman; when you finally find that life partner, it is difficult to go back to solo.

I literally turned a few corners on this journey; metaphorically as well. I made the decision to ship Bessie back to Florida. It wasn't easy; I felt as though I was giving in, then I heard that rational self that resides deep inside of me whisper, , 'honor your limitations.' I accomplished what I set out to do on this trip, ride all 48 states. Done. Checked off the Bikeit List. Shipping Bessie home will give us both a break and the added bonus, I will get to spend a few extra days with my Wingman before he gets shipped out again. I was going to write about a long list of validations and rational for my decision, but quite simply, I don't have to do that anymore. Suffice it to say, those who love me were ecstatic when I informed them of my decision. I no longer choose to live with the dis-ease in my life.

My Wingman arrives on Saturday and we fly to Anchorage for two weeks of travel, two days on rented bikes. Then we both fly home in air controlled comfort, rather than 10 days of brutal heat and endless asphalt.

"The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring there." ~ Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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