Disappointment is difficult to accept. We experience frustration if we fail to receive recognition, miss a promotion, don't keep a resolution, lose in a contest, don't meet our expectations, and our plans are altered. It is often hard to reset one's goals, adjust priorities, let go, and proceed. Yet that is what life continuously requires. Because of the consequences of the Japanese earthquake, my son Ryan will not be able to join me as planned on my pedal. I'm sure that he is as disappointed as I am. Still, it makes it harder to get back in the saddle. I am thankful he was not among the causalities or injured, but I was so anticipating time with him.
Austin is great city for a rest day. Interesting sites, good art museum, nice old town, culture, and the University. Spent a lot of the day coordinating speaking and press over the next 2 days. My aches and pains are improving already. Won't be back on the bike until Friday.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
101K seat Texas Stadium and ghost bike memorial to a fallen cyclist
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 30 Blanco to Austin
Surprisingly, many places in Central Texas have Germanic names. In the mid 1800's, a large group of German intellectuals immigrated here to escape political and religious hegemony. Known as "Freethinkers", they encouraged personal responsibility and evaluation, democratic discussion of issues, and equal rights for all. They thrived in Texas until the Civil War, when they opposed slavery and succession. They were persecuted for their Union sympathies and many departed Texas. The Freethinkers left their legacy in historic buildings, names of places, democratic institutions, and their example of intellectual freedom. They were in the right place at the wrong time. Who can't relate to that?
On the way to Austin I had the rare opportunity to be a hero. I passed a goat that had pushed it's horned head through a wire fence and was hopelessly stuck like Pooh and the honey jar. The goat was scared of me and uncooperative, but eventually I freed it. It ran away unappreciative! Austin is a marvelous city with a river, beauty, history, the capital, and a hot nightlife. At dusk tonight I watched a million bats depart the Congress St Bridge to hunt insects for the night. They still are creepy. Nice to have a few days of rest.
On the way to Austin I had the rare opportunity to be a hero. I passed a goat that had pushed it's horned head through a wire fence and was hopelessly stuck like Pooh and the honey jar. The goat was scared of me and uncooperative, but eventually I freed it. It ran away unappreciative! Austin is a marvelous city with a river, beauty, history, the capital, and a hot nightlife. At dusk tonight I watched a million bats depart the Congress St Bridge to hunt insects for the night. They still are creepy. Nice to have a few days of rest.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 29 Kerrville to Blanco
Football is big in Texas. Every little town displays banners of support for the high school team, and the signs point the way to the stadium. In my youth I was a wrestler. I was pretty good, not from athletic prowness but from a tenacious persistence. Coach Pena preached that only a fool would go through his demanding practices and lose! Later I read John Wooden's philosophy, redirecting the focus from victory to preparation and obtaining one's best performance. I have tried to apply his teachings to my life. I have wrestled a lot of demons in my time, not always prevailing. There are some demons that defy preparation and persistence. We all face them. Losing a loved one is such challenge. I guess we have to work with the tools we have.
Today's 65 miles were pretty, rolling hills into a headwind. My route joined a triathlon for about 15 miles, and I was definitely the odd man out by age, attire, and panniers. But it was fun to be part of the action. Blanco is another historic, cute, Central Texas town by a river and laden with parks. Spent a nice afternoon reading by the banks of the Blanco River. Looking forward to a couple of days off in Austin/San Antonio.
Today's 65 miles were pretty, rolling hills into a headwind. My route joined a triathlon for about 15 miles, and I was definitely the odd man out by age, attire, and panniers. But it was fun to be part of the action. Blanco is another historic, cute, Central Texas town by a river and laden with parks. Spent a nice afternoon reading by the banks of the Blanco River. Looking forward to a couple of days off in Austin/San Antonio.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 28 Vanderpool to Kerrville
It is unnerving to see a house abandoned or a commercial building disintegrating. Our most valuable material possessions are normally our home or livelihood. For one to relinquish interest in these precious assets requires extraordinary duress. Yet, the Southwest is littered everywhere with decaying structures. Homes and businesses that even the bank cared not to maintain and sell. The causes may be many; the price of ore dropped closing the mine, the railroad switched from steam to diesel (abrogating the need for a water stop), the highway was relocated, resources were depleted, better opportunities existed elsewhere. But each of these buildings also has a personal story of individuals and families. How overwhelming their situation to just walk away! Most of us will never experience such a calamity. As I pedal beside these relics, I can't help pondering their stories and empathizing with these forgotten people.
Today I enjoyed a beautiful, idyllic, 52 mile pedal along the banks of the Guadalupe River through the hill country of central Texas. No abandoned homes in this region! The wind was benevolent and the road downsloping. Kerrville is a pleasant, small city with attractive parks and a historical district. I spent almost an hour chatting with a reporter from the local newspaper, who will do a story on distracted driving. All days should be this good!
Today I enjoyed a beautiful, idyllic, 52 mile pedal along the banks of the Guadalupe River through the hill country of central Texas. No abandoned homes in this region! The wind was benevolent and the road downsloping. Kerrville is a pleasant, small city with attractive parks and a historical district. I spent almost an hour chatting with a reporter from the local newspaper, who will do a story on distracted driving. All days should be this good!
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