Numbers and figures

There is a lot in a number...I've been a "counter" my entire life. Perhaps it is the nature of being a dancer. Counting is a way my brain finds order in things that are less than orderly. I count my steps while running. I count music with an inhale and exhale, synchronized to the beat. I count kids, mini cows, bites of food, and how many steps it takes to walk to my car door. I count in the shower. I count while I fill up for gas. I count to pass the time.

So there is no wonder why I know that 116 days ago I read an inspiring article about one mans adventure with a white dragon horse and karmic moonbeams.  A real life adventure about oranges, religion, an intellectual crisis, humanity, and the need to explore...a true exploration of the artistic, spiritual, mental and physical challenge offered on the saddle of the White Dragon Horse. The inspiration of the WDH had introduced itself during an incredible time of realization about my own journey and the immense truth behind a personal epiphany of being "all in"...little did I know the intensity behind that truth at the time. And quite honestly, I'm not even sure I understand its intensity now...

All of this only matters because today marks 116 days until I embark on my own incredible adventure full of karmic moonbeams...

We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot

Destination: Riverton, Wyoming (my birth place)

Numbers and Figures:
1500 miles, give or take a few
30 or so days,
4 panniers,
1 tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad,
a billion stars to sleep under each night,
my 2 wheeled pal, Cheshire, the blue bike,
and me.

And a whole bunch of YOU providing support from afar!

Many of you have already offered support as I've prepared diligently over the past few months...bike classes, advice, training sessions, physicals, words of encouragement, short rides, long rides, gear up, gear down, new bike, lessons in tools and strength...the support from you has been appreciated more than words could ever express. And yes, my mental health is excellent, too! And even though none of you will be there in the physical sense when my journey commences, you have all given me reasons (about 485 of them) to take this journey. As I continue my countdown, and preparations, I look forward to sharing my in-between moments along the way.

I'm not doing this for a cause or any other reason in particular, except to REALLY experience the surface of a planet. A way to slow waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy down and experience myself, without interruption from the demands of life, as I currently know it. My only job will be to pedal, set up camp and feed myself. I'm sure there will be a lot of counting, too. Probably a few curse words (I won't count those).  An abundance of smiles. Many pictures. And more counting. Ultimately, just an adventure to experience extraordinary things that can only manifest through me on a bicycle...and go back to the start.