Tough Lesson Learned: Day 4 of Riding

Photo by Zachary Chipps near Big Sur, CA

Today was quite a day. Thomas and I were all ready to tackle our longest day yet (67 miles). We had a support vehicle to help carry some of our load, a good night's sleep and a hearty, carb-heavy breakfast under our belts, and what we knew was going to be some of the most beautiful scenery that California has to offer just ahead.

We began our day in Pacific Grove, climbing through town to make it to 17-Mile Drive, then onto Highway 1, where we knew we had some climbing to do, but were also inspired by what was coming...we made it most of the way to Big Sur, and just as we began crossing one of the bridges, we realized we had met our demise: consistent 35-40mph winds with gusts to 55mph. It was demoralizing. Not only because we knew we could no longer ride safely along the upcoming cliffs, but because Thomas and I had made a commitment to each other and to the cause that we would ride every mile of the stretch across the country.

My personal goals for this tour had to be set aside for the sake of what we are trying to accomplish throughout this journey, and I can't lie, it was very difficult to come to terms with. Defeat was the first thought that came into my head, but Thomas set me straight when he said, "Ya know what, bro?! This is what our creed is all about! Collaboration and Community! We work as a team, and this team is much bigger than the two of us!"  (We had made it approximately 30 miles.)

We loaded up the bikes and gear into the back of Sumer's Volvo, I sunk into the back seat, and began to process what had just happened. I realized that what I had been told repeatedly by so many people is exactly true; that I need to learn to take care of myself in the process of trying to spread awareness of this epidemic of suicide. I started this journey with that goal in mind, and if you know me very well at all, you know that I'll sacrifice a lot for the sake of others. I'm so passionate about what we're doing, that my comfort and safety often come as an afterthought. However, that mentality will not get me to New York.

I watched the surreal images of the California coast pass me by through the window to my right, peering through panniers and dismantled bicycles, and the only thought that brought me any comfort was that I have a job to do right now, and maybe someday I can come back to this beautiful place and conquer these hills on my own, on my terms...but for now, it's time to RISE.

Day 1: It's real.

I'm exhausted and exhilarated. To this point, I've only spoken of and imagined what this day would bring. I think it's safe to say I was doing just that...imagining. To have experienced today in all its grandeur was one of the most powerful events of my life.

Thomas and I woke up this morning on board at the Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, packed up the bikes, and had an emotional send-off with approximately 15 shipmates. Thomas and I were so honored to have each of our bikes carried down, under, and up the stairs to other side of the bridge (from the parking lot) where we launched. To see those servicemen doing so really sent home how important this tour is to so many people. Those men and women are on the front lines of this epidemic in their community, and give so much to bring closure to the families who suffer the loss of suicide.

Before we took off, the CO of the base handed each of us a Coast Guard unity coin, explaining that as we shook hands with the coin nestled in our palms, a lasting bond was being made. It was a moving moment.

As we mounted the bikes to begin our journey, it was about 45 degrees, raining, and fog covered the top third of the bridge. It was beautiful, scary, surreal, and oh, yeah...windy! On the other side of the bridge, I looked up the weather conditions to verify that gusts were up to 46mph.

We met with a new friend who lost his brother by way of the bridge, and he was kind enough to guide us through the rest of San Francisco on our way to Los Altos!

We arrived to Los Altos and were treated to dinner and warm beds, along with an opportunity to meet and share with two couples, each of whom have lost a child to suicide.

There are no words to describe the overwhelming compassion and support I've felt today, and it's only the first day.

My continued hope is that as we learn from each of these communities, we can somehow share the blessings with which we've been blessed by these amazing people.

In the interest of brevity, I'm omitting pretty much everything that has happened from our arrival in Santa Cruz on Sunday to our departure this morning. Hopefully some of the video blogs posted will share some of that. Let it be known, though: this week has far-surpassed my wildest dreams and/or expectations. There is so much love out there, and we need to not only live and share it, but first be aware of it! If you didn't know, now you do.

Love and Life,
zak

ps- I'm sinking into my pillow for now, but tomorrow I will RISE again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.

Location:Los Altos, CA