Thank You

I'm not going to try and sum up my trip because hey thats what the movie is for, but I would like to take this time to say thank you. I have learned so much about this country, other people, biking, myself, weather patterns and so forth.

I have often been told that education is a necessity and experience in invaluable. With this trip the combination of both education and experience is perfect. My mind has been filled with all sorts of survival methods from whats the best way to put my tent up, to where to find water in a desert. I have learned how to listen and pay attention to my physical body in order to make it up a 4000 ft mountain in 110 degree heat and still survive. The list can go on, but the most important thing that has been reinforced is just how much I need to connect with others.

I left on this trip to be alone and find my own path and I kept running into situations where I needed the help of others for shelter, for directions or simply a pat on the back. I feel as though there is such a push in our society to be individualistic and not to rely on others, that we become lost at sea floating around with just a life jacket keeping our head barely above water. I need others to make my clothes, to build my computers, to drill the wells that supply my water, to make the ball bearings that put my countries space shuttle on the moon . I need people to tell me that I'm doing a good job and to let me know when they feel as though I'm not being honest to myself. I need people to tell me the honest truth about how they feel for me, in order to move on in my life. And by doing this trip I have found a whole world of people that are ready and willing to do that. Yes, there are fears, and yes, I avoid scary situations like walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night, but these are not the things that guide my life, these are not the things that keep me from continuing to talk to people. The amount of energy that it takes to keep connected with people is worth every ounce.

I just want you all to know that I could not have done this trip without you, the people that I met, my family, and yes the people online that everyday made the effort to "like" a post I did or even wrote me an email. Thank you. KEEP connecting with people and KEEP traveling down this wonderful adventure called life.

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www.bikeagainstthewind.com/stories.html

BIKE TRACKS: Givers "up, up, up"

TOTAL TRIP MILES: ~4,700 miles

TOTAL TRIP: 104 of 104 Days

What Inspires Me

I have seen quite a few things this trip and with a week left I started to think about what it is that keeps me inspired for the next day. Inspiration can come from anywhere even a random bicyclist that you meet in the middle of Arizona.

Below are some things that inspire me:

The way light can be played with.

The way the sunset hits the bottom of a cloud and creates a golden glow.

The ingenuity of humans and the pliability of nature.

This picture.

My Parents (including my dads crazy hair)

These are just a few things. Post some things that inspire you.

ADD YOUR STORY AND JOIN THE ADVENTURE
www.bikeagainstthewind.com/stories.html

BIKE TRACKS: Givers "up, up, up"

TOTAL TRIP MILES: ~4,200 miles

TOTAL TRIP: 96 of 104 Days

Help Mark Get Across the Country