27 October 2011 Ride: 300 Days & 8,000 Miles

One would think that on such a milestone of days one would relish a ride in sun and warmth.  I would not deny that that would have indeed been a nice way to celebrate this special day.  But I take heart that the elements today, the wonderful rain, the chill, the wind were all very symbolic of the elements and gauntlets that have been tossed down throughout this year that have helped forge the mettle and character needed to make this journey.  So, I welcomed the ride in the rain.

I could have waited till this afternoon when the rain was supposed to stop and the temperature would have risen slightly.  That was not the path I wanted to take and I was eager to plunge into the day.  All bundled up, I felt too warm and overdressed, but after only a few minutes of riding I knew I had dressed wisely.  I started off on a very high note, feeling full of energy and glee.  Because of the rain, I didn't think I would stop very often for pictures, though within the first minute a favorite barn of mine on Habberton caught my attention.

A few rain drops later, I was back on my way. 

I was surprised to find that after only a few miles I was feeling quite a drop in energy and the enthusiasm I was enjoying just a few minutes earlier had vanished.  I knew that the least I would do today would be 28 miles so that I would reach 8,000, but I certainly hoped to do more.  The early miles dragged on and I was hoping that, as was often the case in the past, once I hit the 20 mile mark, I would feel new life.

Such did seem to be the case and it was also about that time that I was cruising south on a small country road with the wind behind me and a thick row of small trees masking the pasture off to my right, when a gap opened up in the trees and there stood a most gorgeous black and white horse at the fence.  I quickly applied the brakes and slowly made my way back hoping that he wouldn't run off as I approached.  He patiently waited at the fence as I took my gloves off and pulled the camera out that was well buried to protect it from the rain.  I was fortunate that there was a lull in the rain in terms of taking pictures.  I held my hand out and he smelled it and didn't flinch as I moved to pet him; he seemed particularly interested in my hand that held the camera and kept sniffing that one.  I loved the close rapport that quickly and easily developed between the two of us.  A couple of his companions came over but his closest comrade seemed to be another painted horse, though his dark markings weren't as pure black.

A very special moment on the side of the road. 

 I was eager to get back home but I didn't want to leave as I was truly enjoying this special time with the horse. 

Several minutes later, I finally pulled myself away and re-mounted the bike.

A few minutes later, the rain resumed and continued for the rest of the ride.  I headed to the trail by the Botanical Garden and made my way to Veteran's Park and then back, past the Bot Garden and worked my way to Guy Terry Rd and Habberton Rd where I had parked.  My feet were sopping wet and numb but I was indeed in good spirits knowing that I had reached this double milestone as well as having an encounter of a very special kind on this very wet and chilly day.

Today's Ride:  3hrs 53mins.  42.05 miles.  45°  Light Rain.   Miles YTD:  8,014.15

Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 30.55

Donations for Biking for Food, which support the Community Meals at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR, can be sent to:  Biking for Food,  St Paul’s Episcopal Church,   224 N. East Ave.,   Fayetteville, AR  72701

Or, make a pledge per bike miles ridden at  www.stpaulsfay.org/bikingforfood.html.

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