I came across an ultimatum over the weekend. I had to make a decision of whether or not to drive part-way on the trip and I was very conflicted. My support car had to return to Los Angeles, and I was unprepared yet to go through the desert alone.
So I basically had two choices: return to LA to get the supplies I needed and start again, or move forward to my next destination, Phoenix. I chose the latter, and also reconciled it with the fact that I had already ridden 200 miles to get to my map’s starting point at Ocean Beaches, CA.
I want to make sure that I am honest about this, as it was hard for me to come to terms with, but vital in order to make sure that this trip is a success and that I have the best chance to stay safe, prepare and plan for the rest of the journey.
I hope you all can understand that this wasn’t ideal, but that this was the best decision for the overall success of the trip.
Also I will be riding unaccompanied for the next 3 weeks, so please send your positive energies this way in the form of prayers, encouragement, advice etc. I need all the help I can get, as this is a very mentally difficult prospect to take on.
Departing December 2, 2008
Arrival: January 20, 2009
on Dec 8th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Ryan,
In a way this is where the trip really starts. Riding with support really insulates you from the trip and the local people in many ways. You will meet the local folks to a much greater extent when riding unsupported and you will be tested in different ways. Think of this as a good thing and enjoy the folks you meet. Being unsupported will require more self discipline and determination, but hang in there because it is also more satisfying.
Be sure to be friendly and open with the folks you meet. If you do you will find them to be almost universally kind and generous. They really can make the trip.
Tailwinds,
Pete
PS: I hope the knee(s) is(are) doing better.
on Dec 9th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Ryan,
You know you have my support. And I will be puttin up positive vibes energy and gettin’ out the word. Keep ur eyes on the prize and let that lead every crank and every hour of rest and sustenance in between.
DO THIS. Or as J.Mitch would say “G.O.E.!!!”
-Krys
on Dec 9th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Keep your speed down, stay in low gears, start early and ride all day. You can make it.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Good luck Ryan,
I put Alan Havir in touch with you. Apparently he helped you out a bit in Phoenix. How about giving some brief reports on people, interesting places and incidents along the way?
You’re on a worthy quest.
Bob
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Ryan, I think that you made the right choice even though it will be hard. I think that the mental toughness and resolve that you gain from going through the desert will help you when you get to the cold bad winter weather going up the eastern states.
I am not a staunch Obama supporter but I do admire and respect this trip of yours as your own personal pilgrimage. Good luck.
on Dec 11th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I think your decision was perfectly honorable – and smart. It is unwise and dangerous to be alone in the desert without back-up. You haven’t diminished anything, and you have a challenge ahead. Be safe!!
on Dec 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I admire your continuing displays of grit and honesty. I am deeply concerned about the weather you will face even on this most southern route. Be intrepid but be safe too.
on Dec 12th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Hey Ryan!
Keep pushing!!! Don´t give up! All the support from Mexico is with you!
on Dec 20th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Howdy Ryan, I cant tell you how mcuh pleasure it was meeting you, I hope you had a good rest in the back yard, and will certainly be sending you cyber thoughts of happiness and success for your journey, sending you my thoughts of complete goodness to light the way, best wishes and good luck for all of us here in littl’ ol’ Fredericksburg, Texas
Cat
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 9:49 am
Glad to see that you made it through west Texas with the support of so many wonderful people. Your good will and visions of peace and harmony are the currency of civilization.
No matter where you go, there will always be a mirror of like minds to meet you. Well, maybe not in Washington, D.C….but hopefully that is going to be changing with the arrival of Obama and people like yourself next year.
Thanks for all the energy and the positive example that you have shared with us and so many others along the way. You are always welcome at the Essence of Tranquility!\
Peace, Love, and Progress my brother!
on Dec 21st, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Keep on keepin’ on.
Be SAFE!!