Suddenly, there is so much to do. Now that this commitment has been made, a lot has to fall into place. I am really excited, but also have some major concerns.
- Oakley getting hit by a truck. Really. I fear that long, exhausting, boring afternoon peddling behind Oakley and seeing him wander across the white line into traffic over and over. My heart in my throat. Tension throughout my body, yelling at him repeatedly to “Move over!” until I just can’t say it again and a distracted truck driver coming up behind us..
- Leaving my husband, Twain, for 3 months. I have never been apart from him for more than 10 days over the last 22 years and I am pretty used to him. I am lucky, I really love him. I worry about either of us changing while apart and having a hard time fitting together again.
- Leaving Cricket, my dog. She is really important to me. She comes to work with me very day. Will she remember me? Twain and I can facetime but…Cricket.
- Money. Money. Money. This is going to cost a ton. We are doing our best to get funding, but life is expensive. I won’t be working. We have three kids in college and Twain and I have our own student debt. We have a house, car, loans…yadda, yada. Twain is really supportive and believes that it will work out, but I have my doubts. Oaks and I will be building our bikes from recycled parts, we will beg and borrow as much gear as we can. I hope to get sponsorships and maybe even write a book. We will camp and cook our own food but I believe the trip will cost us close to 8,000 and I will lose about 10,000 by not working for 3 months. It is a fantasy that we can afford this.
But, here’s the thing. How can we not go? Life is happening now. This world is not terribly full of hope these days and I want to commit to engaging life and all it’s wonders. I want to trust in the goodness of people and not succumb to that idea that I should play it safe until my clock runs out.
My other children are doing great and they fully support this adventure (especially because they don’t have to go). Now is the time.
What an amazing and courageous adventure this will be, Leah! Looking forward to hearing more and following you via the interwebs!
Thank you Elizabeth! Want to come?
I am so inspired Leah! You are still that beautiful unique adventurous soul that you were in high school! I am so going to live this vicariously through you! Would love to be able to do something like this one day!
Thank you! I am pretty inspired by your life too!
You’re a rockstar! I can’t wait to hear about this adventure ❤️
Thanks Natasha!!! Hope you guys are doing great!
Wish I could join you! Get yourselfa padded seat and shorts…
We will be cheering you on!
Thank you!
We love you both and will help as you need. With. cricket or care packages. Oakley willneed a lot of snacks along the way.
Thank you! One of my mine objectives is getting a serious snack sponsor……
Maybe I can meet you guys en route somewhere, replenish your gorp.
It will be awesome sauce. Maybe I can meet you en route and replenish your supply of gorp.
I admire your courage. I will hopefully be able to follow your travels.
Can’t wait to read about your adventures
I’m amazed and inspired and very excited for you!
Cool. Look forward to following you. But not in a stalker kinda way 🙀
You can do it!!!
Love you and your writing always — you are the best mom, Leah! Lucky dog, you, Oakley! Rooting for many grand adventures and, no doubt, wonderful growth and discoveries!
Nice!
So excited to read about your adventures!
hope Oakley takes care of his crazy mother. My adventure seeking daughter never changes!
Go dog go!
So excited for you guys! I sure miss you guys in the hood! Excited to follow your adventure!
super cool