Saturday, July 17, 2010

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.

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

BIKE TRACKS: Givers "up, up, up"

TOTAL TRIP MILES: ~4,700 miles
TOTAL TRIP: 104 of 104 Days

8 comments:

  1. Mark,

    Your achievement is monumental - and you are truly an outstanding individual. We are all the better from joining you - at least spiritually - on your journey. I am very proud of you.

    David

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  2. it just astounds me- i can only imagine the incredible images you will carry with you forever- thank YOU for sharing this awesome blog!! lynn

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  3. You are so right, and congratulations on your achievement.

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  4. Mark,
    What a feat you have accomplished, truly a once in a lifetime experience!. You say beautiful words of how this trip made you realize the importance of connecting in the human experience. You've taught me a life lesson! We are so proud of you! Take Care.

    Gail from Brookline, MA

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  5. Hi Mark,
    Congratulations in completing your trans American bike trip!!! You've demonstrated what with the Will of God in man can accomplish! Lay out in San Diego for a while and enjoy the experience. Take care.
    Bill Wilson

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  6. Mark - Congratulations! You did it and it was an honor providing support. It has been fun re-connecting, more to come,
    Love, Dad

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  7. Mark,

    I look forward to hearing your stories, seeing the images you have accumulated and seeing the film you create.

    Right now bask in the glory of the achievement. As your body strengthened it was also being incredibly taxed and stressed. Give yourself plenty of time for rest and food and as your body absorbs those nutrients let your soul take in the nourishment of all those days and nights on the road- they need some time to catch up to you!

    Now is the time for some contemplation, meditation, relaxation and dreaming. And when your new found energy can no longer be still start making those new dreams a reality.

    I look forward to seeing you in person. Please be in touch when you are back East.

    best,

    KC

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  8. Traveling requires that you depend on the kindness of strangers, and it restores your faith in people. I was happy to be part of your journey. Looking forward to seeing all that it will produce
    Barbara Putnam

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