Seperation Anxiety

Fair warning that I'm going to wax a bit philosophical here, so you might just want to skip a few paragraphs. I brought my bike to my LBS today to have it boxed and shipped out tomorrow. I miss Jonas already, and I suddenly feel as though I haven't biked nearly enough to prepare for the trip that's... one week away? It's always amazing to look back at the start of a journey when you're reaching the end of it, see how the world's changed and see how you've changed yourself. Even though the actual trip hasn't started, getting to this point has been a journey in its own right. Comparing myself back when I dreamed up this trip and the person I am now, it's like looking at two different people. I'm stronger, faster, and more knowledgable than I was nine months ago. I didn't think I'd change so much before I even got out on the road. There's going to be a noticeable void next year, without something of this gravity to look towards. Sure, there's graduation and the real world. But I think I'd rather do this again, maybe as a leader. Or take that walk around the world. But before I digress too much.

I did one last long ride yesterday with a few friends to Spokes in Vienna. It was a great trip, although as usual I was fighting headwind coming and going. The spot for my favorite moment on the ride is split between seeing the old man carying a dog in a basket on his bike, and the fair. Vienna was celebrating Memorial Day in style, complete with carnival rides and about a million food vendors and pedestrians. It was a bit annoying having to hop off my bike and walk through the crowd, but I contented myself knowing the car traffic was a million times worse. I treated myself to a pair of Specialized Armadillos at Spokes, the best flat protection I could buy for the trip. I rode the rest of the way back home with my stock tires slung over my shoulder. Climbing out of the saddle was a bit of a pain, since the tires kept sliding between my arms and the seat, but I got a lot of practice dexterously unweaving my way out of that. I also got a lot of grins from the seasoned cyclists I passed. It was great.

The ride was followed by a poolside BBQ, or as I have affectionately named it, "Mark's Memorial Day Carbo Load". I didn't stop eating from two o clock until midnight, effectively negating any health benefits my ride gave me. I have a feeling that yesterday's binge is something of a precursor for the rest of my summer. I'm looking forward to it. I'm also glad that my clothes will stretch a bit.

Wish me luck, the long haul's almost through! My next post will probably be after orientation, or the night before I head out to Providence.