Resistance

Day 64, Sept 1, Pelion, SC

Yesterday, Aug 31, and today were forecast a week ago as being heavy rain days. The forecast stayed steady and I tried to get to Asheville before that time to be able to wait out the rains in a productive manner, seeing friends and videoing. We did get to Asheville in time and the forecast remained essentially the same, but there seemed a small window of possible opportunity to beat the rains as we head south and east. That would allow getting to Charleston before the heavy Labor Day traffic begins later on Friday.

I gambled and started out before day break the 31st and before it was even light a very heavy, streets turned to streams, rain began. I was soaked in seconds, riding in the dark, in rush hour traffic on 25. After 3300 miles of riding and I was now in one of my most dangerous situations in my hometown - I had to laugh. Rain, dark, heavy traffic while on a bike scare me like the snake picture (from a Utah road I think) scares others. It seemed a resounding “NO” to the plan to try to ride. But I rode on with no other clear option in the moment. Trust me, I would have bailed out were there an opportunity. This continued for 20-30” but as I approached Hendersonville, the rain stopped, turning into a mild, heavily overcast day.

I met up with Terry Foxworth who is riding this last leg with me and we proceeded to have two of the best weather riding days since my start on June 30th with the mild temps and heavy cloud cover. Two days I almost didn’t take. Two days that began with a fear filled half hour shouting how foolish I was. We now sit about 1 1/2 days from Charleston because of moving on.

Have you experienced the same? Have you debated the best course to take only to immediately run into a brick wall of resistance? What did you do? In recovery, and in a support role, running into a heavy, fear-filled resistance is common I’ve learned. Sometimes getting soaked by the resistance and yet pedaling on through it is the only real option, keeping your eye on the road with massive hope. Hope and the help of others.

Addiction is a brain disease.

It disables clear thinking.

It is treatable.

@InJoelSteps.com

Dovetails

Day 63, Aug 31, Ora, SC.

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Yes, international. It blew me away when I first learned that 50% of deaths world wide under the age of 50 are related to addiction (source, Dr Anna Lenmbke, Rich Roll podcast, link on InJoelSteps website). Today we crossed into our last state, SC, the home state of Joel’s son and the reason we are finishing the cross country journey in Charleston. We will leave some of Joel’s ashes, that I have carried in my pack each day, there, as he left his heart there with his son.

I was joined by good friend @Terry Foxworth for this last leg. He is biking the completion of his own interrupted Trans Am ride this summer. His company is treasured and makes load lighter. It makes me ask myself, whose load might I lighten by dovetailing my journey with theirs?

Addiction is a treatable brain disease that disables sound decision-making.

InJoelsteps.com

Asheville

Day 62, Aug 30, Asheville, NC.

Eventful day. Crossed into NC! Rode into Hot Springs and one picture is of me in front of the Hot Springs Health Center, the site of my first dental clinic. Then, heavy climbing. Next a fellow Elliptigo rider, @Bob Fay joined me from Marshall to Asheville. Asheville! Visited with Beth’s mom. Back to our home area of 30 years. Meeting a couple riding friends tonight, Heang Uy, and @Terry Foxworth, may join us for the leg to Charleston.

Addiction is a brain disease.

It disables decision making.

It is treatable.

InJoelSteps.com