The Suffering.

I'm not writing this for everyone or even anyone. Probably just for me.

This ride was for one purpose...to honor my best friend who passed away last year from cancer.  Our friendship far surpassed the average...and was more like that of brothers. If you're lucky enough to have someone like this in your life, you are truly blessed...just as I have been.  

This particular ride I experienced things on a bike that I never have before: accidents (2), severe dehydration, self doubt, utter exhaustion and perhaps most importantly...suffering beyond what I thought I possibly could.

That last one...the suffering...is what sticks with me. 

I've ridden centuries before. It wasn't that. There was much more to this ride. 

We've all suffered to some extent on a bike or a run or some other athletic endeavor. But when you really suffer because your "why" is greater than you...well that's what changes things. It changes YOU. 

This ride was one of those.

I can't explain this properly in words...but for those of you who have physically pushed and punished yourself to the point of near oblivion for something greater than yourself...you know exactly what I'm talking about.  

And if you have...if you've pushed and expected more from yourself than anyone else possibly could...know that your "why" is up there somewhere smiling. 

Love you Mike.