In any endeavor, one can continue to tackle virtually endless new horizons of aptitude. You stretch, plateau, celebrate, and, if you’re so inclined, restart the whole process all over again, to stretch your comfort zone yet again.
I had gone from no motorcycle riding experience, tackled a basic motorcycle safety course, snagged my motorcycle endorsement on my license, tackled real-world roads, traffic and unexpected situations, put in as many hours in the saddle as I could squeeeze into everyday life, had group-ridden with friends, and had honed many distinctions until I finally took my first ever, ginormous, 320-mile overnight road trip, all on my little 250cc Virago, a HUGE milestone for Vivie ‘n me!! And, all in just 2.5 months from beginning to major (for me!!) adventure end!
Next, I stretched to a bigger bike, a Triumph Tiger 800. And shockingly, it was a fairly stressfree transition (minus dropping Evvie in the middle of my girlfriend’s driveway, and then getting stuck down a highwater dead-end in the road). Riding the bigger bike was an effortless and exhilirating thrill!
Now, the choice is all mine… to stick, or to continue on with this learning trajectory. Not one to shy away from a deliciously epic fantasy trip…
Tonight, I started brainstorming into a Word document, seriously kicking around the idea, plotting out the logistics for a potential 2000 mile solo trip to pick up in the Phoenix area, my 2013 Triumph Tiger 800xc (did I tell you this one is an ADVENTURE bike?!?! Ask me what THAT means for serious future fun!!) and deliver it back to Ohio.
But, here I am. It’s like hitting the restart button, beginning all over again, from scratch. I feel comfortable riding where I already ride, at the speeds I ride, on the bikes I ride. And now, it’s like staring up at, what feels like Everest, when I’d thought I had already been on a long-haul, only to discover, I’ve only just touched down in Nepal. Suck it up, Buttercup, you’ve only just begun!! Better strap in for the long haul ahead… lol
“No worries,” I tell myself. “You have a process you go through, the same one that took you this far. You have a methodical, incremental, comfortably-uncomfortable approach to this kind of undertaking, to move quickly from a complete lack of competence AND confidence to a boatload of both.”
Next, I’ll start showing that process…. stay tuned 😉
p.s. I’ve got so many incredible, supportive people in my life, the ones that cheer me on, even when it gives ’em a sleepless night or two – they’re the keepers!! This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Scott – he smiles nervously, shakes his head a bit, then tells me, “I trust you, darlin’, you can do anything you set your mind to.” That’s all I need to hear! Love you, my friend!!
Smarter-Not-Harder U 