how do i?

difficult to imagine on this grey skied, cold aired day, that i was flying through those farmlands yesterday in the painful, dreary eyed heat. 103. oh how easily one forgets the deep power of the sun. i was completely strong and furious with energy until just before the fourth hour, when my body began begging of me to stop. at one point, i noticed that even my teeth hurt, which must have been a sure sign that fatigue was upon me. as the flurry of grassland and walnut groves spread out before me, my gaze locked horns with the cement. the black and poisonous cement, that cried out to me "jefferson oh jefferson, where are you going?" sometimes, i am uncertain. i am afraid. six weeks from this trip of mine, my body falters a bit and my mind follows. if i am tired after four, how will i ride eight, day after day after day? this is not a question for my body, but instead one for my mind and the spirit inside of me that guides it. and how do i not long for a better bike, one that is not seven years old and built of the most unforgiving aluminum? and how do i not long for new shorts, and sunglasses, and socks, and a tent that weighs less than ten pounds? oh, how loud the mind can be. how terribly loud.

Posted by jeff at May 29, 2003 01:10 PM

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