Today, I will officially become an alumna of the University of Texas at Austin and two weeks from today, I begin my 70-day bicycle journey to Anchorage, Alaska. This weekend makes me realize more than ever how blessed I am to have such a large and healthy family that loves me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, especially through the last four years.
I wanted to write this blog today to remember exactly how I felt two weeks out from departure. I have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions over the past year, but now that the reality of this trip is setting in I am mostly experiencing some anxiety and a lot of excitement. I am sad to be leaving Austin. Over the past four years I have grown to love this city and while I welcome the change that Denver will bring, it will be strange to leave Texas. Austin became my home away from home and I never thought for too long about what it would be like to leave. And now, I am in my final weeks in this wonderful city.
My excitement over this summer stems mainly from the friendships that have developed with my teammates and knowing that they will only continue to develop and strengthen. I know that experiencing this summer together will create a bond unlike any other. I am excited to be on the road for 70 days with these wonderful people. I am also excited for the vacation. While it will be no trip to the beach, I look forward to waking up every morning with nothing to do but ride my bike and to have time each day to think, read, write, and of course have fun with friends. As a former rider once said, you wake up with a purpose and a goal and each day, you accomplish that goal. I also know that the people we meet along the way will touch us in a way I can't yet imagine.
I have started packing my one little bag. Next week will be our final week of training before we rest for a few days. On Wednesday, we have another century ride, then 75 miles on Thursday and 50 miles on Friday. On June 4th, we have a send-off from the UT campus and June 5th is our ATLAS ride from Cedar Park to Lampasas, TX where anyone is welcome to join for the day. The entire Rockies route will be staying at my parents’ houses in Dallas on June 8th and 9th.
I will be sure to blog again before I leave, but once I am on the road these entries may get a little shorter. Over the summer, most will be posted from my phone! However, I hope to add something here each day.
Hook ‘Em Horns!
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