Done.
468 miles. 19k feet of climb (that’s over 3.5 miles of elevation). 7 days.
I’m sure we’re all a little tired of hearing about my bike adventures by now, but I did it. I finished what I set out to do, and I’m proud of that.
Halfway through the week, I remember thinking it was as difficult as I expected but doable, but the last half was a fight. The big mistake I made was thinking Tuesday was gonna be the hardest day because it had the most climb—joke’s on me. I couldn’t have trained for the back-to-back long days which caught up with me.
This was the hardest physical challenge I’ve done. It gave me a lot of confidence I can train for something and do it. I’m trying to figure out how to apply that to goals that have a less clear finish line.
I met the most incredible people out there. People who push themselves, but have a lot of fun doing it. I’ve been asked a lot if I would do it again. I would do the event again, but never that route. And I learned a lot about how to camp better.
I really enjoyed the hometown pride these tiny towns had. It was wholesome and unfamiliar.
My biggest takeaway was what a nice (and very rare) feeling to know all week that was exactly where I was supposed to be.
I had a clear sense obstacles would work out - lost wallet, lost helmet, etc… My brain has a hard enough time keeping track of belongings in normal times, but when I was that tired it was getting sloppy. But for every problem that arose, I had peace it would resolve and be okay and it did.
Looking for my next role
Now that my ride is done, getting a full-time is my next challenge. My sabbatical has been exactly what I needed. I finally have the energy to contribute to a company again.
What I’m looking for:
I’m looking for a creative leadership role in preferably a tech space with a product design focus, but open to the right opportunity. I enjoy solving meaningful problems with great people. In-office (Nashville), hybrid, and remote jobs are cool.
How you can help:
Thoughts and prayers are appreciated I find the right fit at the right time
Keep an ear out if you hear of anything
Site:
Art I Like
The artist Grant Wood is from Iowa. He painted one of the most famous 20th century paintings - American Gothic in 1930 using his sister and dentist as the models. I’ve always loved his landscapes as well. There’s something very realistic yet whimsical in his point of view.
As I was leaving RAGBRAI, I did a quick search to see if there was a museum for his work. Even better - his studio/home was on my route. It was moving to be in that space. In some ways, it was like his work - humble, yet playful. A reminder that iconic work can be made in a small town by a simple life.
“Have fun at all costs.” - Julia Louis-Dreyfus
So proud of you!! You killed it!