There is a buzzing inside me—a little bee flitting from one side of my brain to the other. It ricochets from page to page of a wide open atlas that is imbedded there asking, “Where should we go next? What flower do you want to taste? What do you want to see? What colors await? What are you prepared to feel? Are we ready to leave the hive again? Look—here is Cuba. Here is Brazil. Here is Patagonia. Here is Spain. Here is Canada. Here is Japan. Here is the world and this is your life. What is next?”
In the busyness of the summer, I can’t take the time to listen, so I tune this little bee out, but now, on this quiet, rainy Monday in late September, I sit in the shop with my feet up on the counter and begin to pay attention to the buzzing. It is time to begin planning another ride.
It is hard to explain why I love bicycle touring so much, but it has added a balance to my life that helps me stay upright.
This world does overwhelm me. I am very susceptible to the weight of sadness and it is easy to lose hope about the world’s future. The problems we face are overwhelming. I guess these rides help me remember three truths that keep me on my feet.
They help me remember that I am stronger emotionally and physically than I often feel when lying on my couch watching Netflix and drinking wine. That life is for living right now.
And these rides help me remember how extraordinarily beautiful, diverse and intricate the world is. It is so old and I am so young! The way it’s patterns and adaptions have evolved leave me awestruck. I feel this the most when I am out in the elements, sleeping on the ground and immersed in the outdoors.
And they help me remember how incredible people are. How we care for one another. How kind we can be and how good kindness feels. How we have more similarities than differences. How humanity is bigger than politics or place. I learn this best when I make myself vulnerable—when I am just Leah.
I am incredibly privileged to get to do this. That is not lost on me for a moment. I could stay home. I could keep my mouth shut. But, I can’t help, but feel that the beauty in this world is worth sharing.
So read along if you like. Now, where to….
Amen … Amen … Amen!!!!!
I love “armchair traveling” with you on your bike trips, Leah. Can’t wait to see where we’ll be going next! 💓
I know it’s not the same thing but Albert gave me an e-bike that re-ignited my youthful love of bicycling! We’re getting ready to do a cross country rv trip, with dogs, north through VT to Canada, around to Michigan’s upper penninsula, then straight south to Kentucky and Alabama, then West to the Gulf of Mexico, up to the Grand Canyon and California, and some winter amongst the redwoods. Maybe we’ll cross paths somewhere! I get anxious about things too, and recently I’ve been reading some history, and SO MUCH change has occurred over the past 500 – 2000 years and we’ve collectively weathered so many storms. I can get very anxious but it seems like we can’t stop change but we can slow it down and give ourselves and the earth time to adapt. Have fun plotting your next adventure!
Looking forward to hear where adventure takes you this winter…We just booked the Camino Portuguese, but that will be on foot.
So many places on the list to explore! I’m sure whatever you pick, you will enjoy! 🙂 There’s nothing like bike touring!!
We look forward to finding out where next!!
Good afternoon Leah,
If you ever make it up this way to Atlantic Canada, my wife and I would be happy to give a place to stay on your journey. We’re right next door to you in New Brunswick. Friendly, warm people just like New Englanders and close by.
Unfortunately Canada in the winter is not a place you want to be cycling.
Safe travels wherever you go!!
Wayne
You are the most adventurous person I know and look forward to reading all about your travels. You allow us to live vicariously through all your travels. I have shared you book with most of my family and several friends. They all ask the same question “Has she written any more book”? We all look forward to you next adventure and feeling like we are experience it with you.
Be safe and ride like to wind.
Dee
I look forward to following along wherever you decide to go….it’s always an interesting trip!!
So excited for your next adventure! Love you!
love to hear these thoughts spinning around! 🙂
I live following your adventures and hearing about your experiences.
Bravo Leah!
I just did my first mini tour alone. It was small but it changed me. I realized I carried too much. I cried. I unloaded. I called a shuttle to store it for me. I managed all by myself. It was only the Great Allegheny Passage but it was a start. Three people this week mentioned New Zealand and how amazing it is to cycle. Maybe you have done it already I’m unsure. It might just be summer there too soon 😉
Anxiously awaiting to live vicariously through your bike trip although mine may be coming sooner than later as work pushes me to escape and try something new.
Darice
Although I’m sure you don’t need any more suggestions, you might enjoy the Tour Aotearoa in New Zealand. A long way to come but a wonderful journey.
Keep inspiring us all!
Try a little Europe. We did a little bit of cycling on the coast of Ireland last month. Beautiful countryside and amazing people.
Looking forward to reading posts from your next adventure. Have fun planning it!
Carry me