Road Trip Day 11

"Fearlessness is the first requisite of the spiritual life."

~Mohandas Gandhi~

I awoke with a mission.  

1. Find a local shop that could help me troubleshoot my e-cigarette blues so that I won't go back to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

2.  Head to a local bike shop to pick the brains of the local single-track experts.

3.  Hot coffee.

4.  Lunch.

5.  Bike ride.

6.  Read from a book while relaxing in a hammock.

7.  Watch another sunset on Grand Traverse Bay.

Third time is a charm I guess, because it took me three stops before I finally found an e-cigarette shop that sells vapor cigarette supplies.  Mission one accomplished.

I ended up stoping at 2 different bike shops, with a desire for conversation that equalled my desire to learn more about the area's trails.  The staff at Einstein Cycles and the City Bike Shop were very helpful and accommodating, especially at the former.  They informed me that the upper peninsula is where it's at if you're looking for more technical, challenging, and rocky terrain, and a more secluded and rustic camping experience.  

 I grabbed a coffee and some lunch, then headed out to ride the Vasa single track.  The trail was a good ride, fast and sandy, but not so challenging.  If I had to compare it to the trails back home I would definitely call it a level 1, or a beginner trail.  In the midst of my riding my confidence began to pick up and I began to realize all my anxiety had been about the fear of the unknown.  And the fear of so much solitude.  I could recall the voices of different people asking, "Why would you want to take a trip like that by yourself?"  And that's all it takes.  Before you know it the doubts and fears begin to creep in.  So I started off my day king of dragging myself forward, pushing myself into the unknown.  Then I rode my bike.  It still never ceases to amaze me that a simple ride is all it takes to remind me that the uncertainty is ok; it doesn't have to be scary.  

Anxiety has been a long time companion of mine.  I think anyone who knows me well can vouch for that.  Sometimes it take a huge leap of faith for me to get past it and move forward.  I'm still not sure where tomorrow will take me, but I've got some ideas, more excitement, and smaller fears today.

Road Trip Day 10

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed."

~Michael Pritchard~

I set out for Michigan in the morning, with plenty of time to get to my destination before nightfall.  I arrived in Traverse City around 6:30 pm, surprised to find that the city is truly a popular resort destination.  So much for leaving civilization.  I wrestled with the idea of staying in a hotel for the night, feeling like insecurity and fear were getting the best of me.    I finally decided on crashing at Interlochen State Park when I found out the cheapest hotel/motel would cost me at least $100 a night.  Screw that noise.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  Well, maybe some people do, but after driving through Traverse City I felt like a poor girl in a rich man's land.  Throngs of tourists littered the streets and sidewalks, and a good portion of the vehicles driving around had canoes and kayaks strapped to the top, boasting of adventure.  Resort hotels that easily cost $200+ a night flashed signs of "No Vacancy" as I passed by.  I admit, their view of the Grand Traverse Bay was magnificent, but certainly not worth that kind of money by my standards of financial living, so to speak.  

I chose a rustic site in the state park, forgoing my opportunity to have a shower house nearby.  $12 versus $26 a night.  Some might say I'm cheap; I prefer to think of myself as being thrifty.  I set up camp as the sun started to set, still uncertain as to how many nights I would stay.  Struggling with feelings of uncertainty, I considered my next move, and even thought of leaving early and cutting my trip shorter than I originally intended.  I've been feeling less than confident, and not really into the idea of risk-taking on this year's trip.  

As the skies began to grow dark sat by my campfire for a bit before I gave in to my anxiousness and retreated to my tent to call it a night earlier than usual.....

Road Trip Days 1-9

"For fast-acting relief try slowing down."

~Lily Tomlin~

I guess I hadn't really given much thought to blogging this year on my annual trip.  In truth, I haven't given much thought to blogging at all this year.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I think about it often.  It's the doing that's been lacking.  I spent the first 2 nights at my mother's house, visiting some family and helping her start her latest painting project.  I left a day sooner than planned and made a spontaneous stop at the home of my BFF, in need of the comfort and company of a good friend.  My BFF and I still don't utilize restraint or discipline in managing our time together well.  In other words, we visited until 4am, only to wake in the morning feeling half hung over from the pot of coffee we chugged the night before, and the lack of sleep.    

Next I headed home in my dazed stupor for one more night before setting out to see my brother at his new place in Ohio.  Having not ridden my bike in a full week before this point I was anxious to explore the trails the Cincinnati area has to offer.  I rode the England-Idlewild trail system just outside of the city, taking note that "advanced trail" indications here don't refer to technical rocks and jumps, but rather more elevation changes and tighter twists and turns.  

Since my little brother is working for the Cincinnati Bengals now, I had the opportunity to accompany him to a team/staff picnic on the ball field while there.  One night we chilled at a brewery with his bosses and coworkers, and the next night we got to hang out with a couple of the players on the team.  What happens when you get a bunch of NFL football players and staff together after hours?  Too much testosterone I tell you.  It was battle after battle to the end.  Darts.  Baseball; in the house mind you, with a tennis ball and a child's plastic baseball bat.  Which lasted until the bat split into two pieces.  Which was better than physical injury to the pitchers; my concern at the time.  Next was a round of tennis with a racquet and aforementioned tennis ball.  Then a more mild round of Washers before the guys headed back to the dart board.  At this point I retreated to the sanctuary of the outdoors, a bit overwhelmed by all the intense competition.  The next day my brother and I got to ride a nice little trail system at Mitchell Memorial Park outside of Cincinnati before heading back to his place to relax for the night.

So far the trip feels like it's been all about socializing more than anything else.  I'm feeling a bit anxious to step away from civilization for a bit and head into the woods.....