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We broke our rest day fast by riding just over 86 miles from Madison to Milwaukee today. In some ways it’s hard to get back on the bike, but in some ways it’s a relief to continue. The first few miles tend to require a little shake out of the legs. Our bikes were tended to by the Trek technicians over the last 24 hours and we found clean and fresh tires and frames upon starting this morning. Sometimes it’s the little things – like the new blinged up name tags on the bikes. Mine had been coming off for some time and was catching on my right leg. Marty, one of the guides, had taped it down at some point – but when I returned from dinner last night and my bike was in my room so I could charge my power pedal – I saw that there was a new sticker with my name further up towards the handle bars so as to not interfere with my pedal stroke. I’m not sure what happened earlier, but I did have bruising on the inside of my right knee at some point from hitting my knee against the frame.
The ride today was pretty. We rode the first stretch until the first rest stop with a few of the Trek Travel team. Joe – who had been our sales rep, as well as one of the trip designers and another individual. It was nice to have an opportunity to visit with them and learn more as well as share feedback. While the ride has been fantastic, there are always a few things that can be improved upon, and I was delighted to have a great conversation with Joe and share and ideate on a few things.
The ride was just over 86 miles with some rolling hills early on, but overall, a fairly flat day of riding. The back half of the ride had us riding along a bike path for an extended period. It was covered with trees providing dappled lighting along the way. Sadly, Bob was stung by a bee or a wasp along the way, and we had to stop to ensure he had some Advil immediately to reduce the pain and inflammation. This is the second time he’s been stung on the face. I decided he should be renamed from ‘Captain Underpants’ to ‘Sting’. Too soon?
We had a very nice final stretch into Milwaukee and are staying at the Iron Horse, not far from where the headquarters of my former employer is located. The last time I was in Milwaukee was when I worked for them. It’s a little bittersweet, but as I realize that everything happens for a reason – being part of the RIF and not taking on the role that was offered to me when mine was made redundant was the best gift I could give myself because it allowed me to participate in this life-changing ride experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I believe that I am to be doing something impactful and meaningful from this ride. I’m starting to understand and formulate what that might be – but I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to step away for this time and participate in this incredible experience whatever the outcome in terms of what’s next.