In The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein instructs that the competent race car driver reacts to a skid before it occurs. In cycling a similar axiom exists, "eat before you get hungry and drink before you get thirsty". The idea is to prepare and react before the calamity. After disaster strikes, it is too late to react adequately. Not bad advice for preparing for life's challenges, a philosophy I have embraced. But there are many situations that can not be anticipated. Unpredictable diseases, some natural disasters, the sudden death of a loved one. When you're in the skid on wet roads, you must struggle to just maintain control.
I had a nice afternoon and evening with my brother Bill. We spent the night in Destin enjoying the beach, a hot tub, and an Irish supper. This morning we returned to the drop off spot; Bill returned to California, and I resumed the big pedal. It was a pleasant 55 miles of back roads and sweet temperatures. The air is full with the scents of spring. It is a good time to be in Florida. I have entered the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Tomorrow is a very short day to a nature preserve, and my last good chance for gators.
I just got done reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, loved that book. Your race is nearly complete. So happy you will be back home soon.
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