So, Ragbrai. Always an amazing week, and this year was no exception. People usually say the same thing when I mention Ragbrai, "you do Ragbrai?" and "The whole thing?". To which I could reply, "How could I not do Ragbrai, it is the special, different week of the year when I get to shed all responsibilities and do as I please"?....Of course, I love my life, I am the luckiest person I know. I live with an amazing husband, gorgeous children, I love my work.
But for that one week of the year all responsibility is lifted, and what a week it is.
Spending a week with Carlos, one of the greatest people in the whole world, is amazing. He is so much like me, we share so many memories, but he has chosen such a different path, and I have so much to learn from him. Taking Carlos' house, the airstream, made the trip so much fun. Living in a jewel box like a band of gypsy brothers and sisters, taking outdoor showers, eating beautiful meals as the sun sets, sublime.
Jen and Jason, I can't believe I have such neat friends. I secretly know its because I have such a cool bro that I got to meet them, but I'll take that. Again, I have so much to learn from Jen and Jason, lessons I hope to incorporate in the coming year.
We added new people this year, folks who will hopefully ride with us for always and ever. I am so blessed to know such people. Its amazing how hard it is for me to see all these friends split and go their separate ways at the end of the week. In my head, I know we can always be in touch and that we have many more weeks to spend together, but it is difficult to lose the constant positive affirmation of being with such amazing people. Oh, and difficult to give up the dancing, more about that later.
I love the opportunity to ride my bike; I can get so strong by the end of the week! I love my bike and the sensation of flying (as fast as this non-risk taker will ever move!) I try all week long to lift my eyes from the pavement or bikers in front of me and appreciate the beauty of the places we visit and attend to my good fortune to have such an opportunity.
The laughter, the fun, the dancing, the eating, the riding, did I mention that I get to do this with amazing people? We have a schedule--get up, laugh, get ready, bike, stop to eat, laugh, dance, bike. Then we get in, greet Marie and the other riders, rest, shower, talk, laugh. Then we eat and dance until the band is done. Shortly thereafter, sleep and repeat.
Enjoying an amazing week with fabulous, wonderful people, how could I not do Ragbrai?
Thanks team stream. What a ride.
1 comment:
People look at me like I'm on crack when I tell them RAGBRAI is a lot less work and a lot MORE fun that what people usually think. Oh well, their loss.
Have I told you lately how lucky I feel to be your friend? You too are an amazing person with so much to teach me...like how to be so darn cheery in the morning. I look at the last year of my life, and I can't imagine it without your loving friendship. Here's to many, many more years of memories!
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