Bikers from all over the globe gather for the 2024 Hotter’N Hell 100, it's a Texas Ride of Passage, they say. Miss Tay and I accompanied my husband, Jeff, in full glamping style. We pulled our Airstream Basecamp 20X all the way to Wichita Falls, TX. After finding our reserved campsite, getting the air conditioning turned on, picking up Jeff's team packet, meeting his Golden Wheel teammates, listening to the charitable contribution results, and sharing a traditional spaghetti dinner, we return to basecamp for rest.
The early morning buzz of excitement danced in the thick Texas air. We were inspired by blinking bicycle lights, whizzing tires, and waves of fanfare. Taylor and I joined in high-fiving nearby riders as they mounted their saddles. They appeared in all shapes, ages, sizes, and colors. After Jeff wheeled away, we followed on foot to cheer from the sideline. Savoring the slightest breeze, amid the heat. Crowds quieted by an incredible flyover, then exploded upon the boom of the start cannon. Each staged holding area of riders combusting with anticipation. Music blared in the background. Somehow I could still hear Miss Tay's giggles amongst the roars. Stages of energized riders whizzed by. Miss Tay smiling with pride for each one of them. So Exciting!
Contagious, encouraging spectators spread out all along the trail. The Texas heat quickly climbed to broil, baking exposed skin. Typical of Texas summers. Worsened by the exposure to the rise bouncing off the concrete road. Sensations of dripping, salty sweat rolling down the back. Waterbottles in reach, quick drying towels close at hand. Replenishing the body sip by sip, poised to wipe away stinging sweat from eyes. White salt residue visible as it accumulates on dark clothing. Energy closer to bonking with each mile, each minute. The brain now scanning acclamation, training, sanity. Assessing the risk, the needs, the will. Fun, right!?! Brutal. Introspective. Inspiring.
After all the phases were released, Miss Tay and I retreated to basecamp. Fueled by the joy of wheels in motion. Focused on monitoring and anchoring Jeff from a cool, healthy environment. In spirit, rooting for his personal success. In mindfulness, texting, listening for intuition, signs of Jeff's pulse and progess. Aware that desire and circumstance can both cause an involuntary dismount.
There are many variables to risk assessment. Twists, turns, obstacles, forks in the road. Sometimes, I find that I simply need to make a choice. Get behind that decision, apply my strengths and energy to lifting, carrying, fueling, riding, and maintaining it in good working order. If I look back, along the way, I risk getting blindsided. With focus, I pray I have time to make any necessary adjustment as needed. Rooting for what is working and doing everything in my power to shift before grinding gears, and to stop if mechanics are not working.
Jeff had a goal for this year’s bike ride. Complete the 100k. He assessed the risk along the way. Evaluated, replenished, and hydrated during the process. When necessary, he slowed down. At one point even stopped for a health concerning break.
I took my own eyes off the road for a moment. Allured by the hindsight of why, when, and where did I lose my physical shape and stamina. I don't particularly love being on the sideline all the time. Glad to be this time. Dang it! No matter how much older, and wiser I become, I still relapse in a cringe of could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. That unnecessary exhaustion of energy. Precious energy that I need for making effective decisions, adjustments, gear shifting—yuck! There are enough environmental, and circumstantial challenges in my every day life. No thanks. I'll conserve my energy for celebrating this moment, and creating what comes next. Thank you, Jeff, for inspiring me to dream, desire, and establish my own, new individualized goals.
What all do I wish to create? Well, this blog post is one small step in the right direction. Insight. Movement. Grace. When the heat is on. And, when it is off. That's what growth looks like to me. Jeff devoured this goal, one pedal turn at a time. Preparation. Acclamation. Application. Restoration. Can't wait to see what he creates next.
What are you creating, that is just the right size, shape, color, and manner for you? How are you nurturing yourself along the trail? We are excited for you. Please extend yourself some grace, on the ups and the downs, all along the way. And, in whatever space you are in, remember, Life’s A Canvas—Paint it with Kindness. Love, Bonnie J. + Miss Tay
Find more information on Hotter'N Hell Hundred at https://www.hh100.org
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