Suit to Saddle

There were plenty of times when I had second thoughts. I often questioned whether I was making the responsible decision. I had zero income and a family to support. Saving money for retirement and my children’s college education were our family’s financial priorities. I agonized over it for days. I could not think of anything else but the bike ride.

Things became clearer when I thought about the Christmas season. I imagined sitting in the same chair I had spent many hours in, contemplating my future and being disappointed in myself for not taking this fantastic opportunity to follow my dream. If I did not take the plunge, I knew I would regret not going for the rest of my life. I had told just enough family and friends about the trip to hold myself accountable. I did not want to back out. I knew I was ready to go, but I had no idea of the extent of the commitment I was about to make.

I rode my bike around Mendham, thinking about the pros and cons. On one shoulder was my angel, telling me to go for it. On the other, my brain, telling me to be responsible and get a job. On the saddle of a bike, along the country roads of Morris County, New Jersey, I found myself thinking about life, my family, and riding through the California desert.

The day I finally made my decision, I chose to stay off the saddle. Before I committed, I wanted to make sure I could muster the same enthusiasm for the journey when I was off the saddle. Sure enough, as I sat in my home office watching a YouTube video of someone who had ridden through the desert on the Southern Tier, it hit me.

“I’m doing this!” I shouted. Kelley heard me scream and walked into my office.

“What is going on?” Kelley asked.

I shouted again, “I’m doing this!”