Guest blog post written by T.J.
"Because in the end, you won't remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain."
—Jack Kerouac
There is something inherently selfish about going on an epic adventure like the Great Divide. Each person has their own "why" for undertaking such a long journey. I get the sense that most folks are searching for something. Maybe it is external...maybe internal. A sense of accomplishment? A honing of that "alive/vitality" feeling? Perhaps they are just looking for beautiful sights and places. Whatever their reasons, over the course of 2,800 miles they should have ample time and opportunities to find the answers to what they seek.
To remove the typical tasks associated with daily life (commuting, going to work, cutting the grass, maintaining a home, etc...), and focusing on the most basic and primal needs of: water, food, shelter, and moving down the trail, allows one to really strip away all the extraneous things that distract us and use up our mental or emotional energy. Instead of feeling tired mentally at the end of the day from dealing with tough customers or problems at work, we exhaust ourselves physically in a way that brings on a comfortable slumber. To not have a multitude of other responsibilities that take our attention away from being present in the moment, we can see and appreciate the beauty all around us.
Moving at 8 mph affords you plenty of time to soak in your surroundings. You see that garter snake sunning herself at the edge of the road. You smells the scents of wildflowers, pine needles, and musty leaves. You feel the cool air in the shade of trees as you pass under them. You hear the squirrels chattering about you as you approach and pass them. Riding day after day, you get into a rhythm different from your typical city experience. Your senses are reawakened.
An interesting phenomenon occurs after a few weeks of living like this.
After a few weeks, your body becomes stronger and more efficient. Your heart, lungs, and legs all work well together.The concerns of "everyday life" subside around the same time as your muscle aches start to diminish. You have ample time and mental/emotional bandwidth to tackle other thoughts in your head. The ones you keep pushing aside.
The act of riding can become a daily moving meditation.
It is this aspect that I find to be so wonderful: The time I can dedicate to contemplation, decluttering the mind, and personal growth is a luxury compared to many. To have the mental clarity of thought about what is important to me. By not having a "too busy" schedule and giving myself the gift of time and flexibility, it allows for moments of serendipity. There are those special moments when you talk to a stranger and make connections with others—like the times when a person you just met offers you food or drink.
It is amazing to me how I can ride into the wilderness seeking some truth about myself, and come back with a better appreciation for those important people in my life.
Feeling positive that people are good.
That our differences are minor.
Feeling more connected to others than when I set out.
This is the magic of adventure travel. To be a little selfish and to come back more present, more grateful, more connected.
—T.J.
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