Gratitude
DETAILS
When — May 23, 2O22
Where — Home - Valparaiso, IN
Mileage — 324
Compliments on my motorcycle - 2
Cruise Control, Johnny appleseed, and gratitude
Day one is in the books! I rode 324 miles today with no issues or traffic. It was a little chilly with overcast skies blocking any sun to warm me. Things did not start well because when I was heading West on US 30, I turned on my cruise control, but did not see an indicator light saying that it had activated. I then spent the next 50 miles wondering what it could be and how I was going to do this trip without cruise control! Fortunately, at my next rest stop I remembered where the cruise control activation light actually signaled on the Springfield. This is a bifocal glasses issue that I could easily resolve. Needless to say - all was well and I used cruise control when needed when I was back on the highway.
Once that distraction was out of my way, I left US-30 and began riding the Old Lincoln Highway. I began thinking about the trip. There had been so much to do these last few weeks to prepare for the trip, I lost track of time. This was the day I had been planning for and I finally settled down and got into the groove of riding as the miles clipped by. My favorite time riding a motorcycle is when you get to think about things. No music, just my thoughts and my eyes on the road. I began to enjoy the chilling morning air and I could feel the stress leaving my body and the anticipation of new adventures take hold.
Gradually, I felt a deep sense of gratitude come over me. Gratitude for the opportunities my parents gave me and the love for motorcycles they instilled in me. Gratitude for being newly retired from a great company. Gratitude for the amazing people I worked with and the meaningful things we accomplished. Gratitude for my friends in the North Canton Chapter of the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group and all the support and encouragement they provided. Gratitude for Allie Sholley, RTC, and my new fitness family. I have truly found a special place there and made many new friends. This journey would not be possible without the improvements I’ve made to my health. Finally, I felt gratitude for my little family. I am blessed with a loving and supportive wife and three great kids who encouraged and supported this crazy idea.
I thought it would be fun if you guys listened in on a pod cast interview that Steph had done with me for RTC. It is good for a car ride because it is 45 minutes long! It gives you some interesting insight into the trip and how I planned it. There are some good stories in there about motorcycling and how I attracted Steph as a young teenager with my motorcycle. Click here - RTC Clocking Time
Finally, day one was a great day with easy miles on straight roads. I enjoyed portions of the old Lincoln Highway as it transversed Ohio and Indiana. I snuck in a little history when I visited Johnny Appleseed‘s grave in Fort Wayne. I wrapped up with a wonderful dinner at a restaurant called the Industrial Revolution Eatery and Grille. I would highly recommend if you are ever in Valparaiso, Indiana. The theme is celebrating of America’s greatness. Particularly, America’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Oh! And it had a miniature train and track running around the ceiling!
Overall, a fantastic day and a great start to the 55 day trip. Thanks to everybody, talk to you soon.
