Wow….. this is the first day in two years I am not on “the ride”. I got my first good night’s sleep last night at home in my own bed…. I can’t really sleep away from home, in a motel bed or tent…. I don’t know why. Last year I was just too keyed up- I barely slept three hours a night. This year I guess I averaged five, but not seven or eight like I usually do. Last night I did. I had to cross five states to get a good nights sleep, but it was worth it.
The problem is I am not there to take care of the riders! I just worry when they are out of my sight. It’s not that I don’t trust the other support staff, I am just by nature very protective. I imagine they are glad I am not there smothering them. Anyway, I get to do myself what I always tell everyone else- trust “the powers.” We have actually been blessed this year. The few accidents resulted in no serious injuries. One rider had to stop riding because of an injured wrist after her bike wreck and another suffered some “road resh” but is able to keep riding (sorely). There were less than half a dozen flats the whole ride till we got to Missouri instead of the 8-12 a day we averaged last year. That’s an hour or two a day we did not lose on the trail this year. The riders have all worked to keep each other safe and I am especially proud of them for that.
So, today they start across Missouri. I’m sorry I am not there. Right now (6am Cape Girardeau time) I imagine the support staff is up early, like always, getting ice for the water coolers and filling them up, checking weather and vehicles. They are making sure there are enough snacks and supplements for the day in places handy to be gotten to quickly. Soon the riders will straggle down for breakfast and also begin to get ready for the day. Then they will load up into vehicles and drive to Trail of Tears State Park and begin their first ride in MO. Today is a long day, and they will ride to Farmington, MO. Without me. Dang. Now I’m conflicted! LOL
Well, I’m sorry I am not there and I am glad that I am home. I am starting to recover from the experience. I am content to know that I worked very hard to keep them safe, hydrated and supplied with snacks. Now it’s someone elses’ turn to have fun with the riders. LOL- now I get to worry about Tara who took my place!
Ah well, tomorrow I will be back at work worrying about email, servers AND the riders. I am glad I worry. I think the only alternative is not to care, and there seems to be plenty of the people in the world already doing that (not caring about others). I like my job (caring), I just want to do it better. Thank you riders for the experience. Enjoy your experience!
Hugh