Being in the Moment

A spectacular week, and the rhythm of the trip had definitely evolved. The riding was exhilarating, the scenery awe-inspiring, and the people along the way were genuine and really wanted to connect.

Not only was the riding fantastic, but what filled my eyes was a big reminder how impermanent our lives are and how important it is to be in the moment. The National Parks serve to foster a deep appreciation for nature and for the planet. It’s crucial that people take away from their visit respect for the environment, but more importantly a sense of awe and reverence for time. Our lives are just a split second relative to the natural phenomenon in these parks, and nature is witness to that.

Connecting with People

What really stood out for me were the people along the way. What makes a good ride great, are the people you meet on the road. Road trips and traveling in general are about great riding and awesome sights, but more importantly it’s about the people you meet along the way. Connecting with people on the road is a huge part of what traveling is about. There’s a bigger message here about relationships. What makes a good life great, are the people in your life. It’s about relationships and connecting with others in small and big ways. It’s about being empathetic, about inspiring, and being inspired. Connecting with a person on an individual basis, listening to their story and telling yours, allowing them to be heard, and practicing non-judgment, I truly believe opens up the door to greater empathy, understanding, and hope.

During my riding I began playing back all my encounters with people, with individuals, over the two weeks, a quote from Ram Dass surfaced in my mind. He said:

“That when you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.

The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.”

— Ram Dass

Moments in Time - Highlights from Week 2 that are captured in the photos that follow:

Finding my new rhythm and settling into the journey in Telluride.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 28+ million years of work that the Earth had done to form this spectacular piece of creation!
Paonia. It had the quintessential look and feel of a “real” American town. An authentic place with its own personality. More interesting is my chance encounter with Bob, a Tai Chi, Chi Chung and Kung Fu teacher who’s 80 yrs strong and has been on the path for 55 years. Thanks Bob for the travel tips, the company, the conversation, the good energy, and for the fruit for the road.
Breakfast in Aspen and meeting new people, who happen to be from Florida. Road trips and traveling in general are about great riding and awesome sights, but more importantly it’s about the people you meet along the way.
Lunch in Vail following some great riding, met a great group of people during lunch ... and yes, it’s about the people you meet along the way.
Breakfast in Breckenridge. How cool is it to be 1000s of miles from home in a new place and someone calls your name?!?! Met this cool couple a few days ago in Telluride and talked for a bit back then. They’re on a road trip in Colorado. Friends on the road ... and yes, it’s about the people you meet along the way. The conversation was contagious and more people joined in asking my questions and excited to talk about their adventures.
Great ride over Loveland Pass. Majestic Colorado views and still skiing in May, but that also means many of the passes are still closed. All good, there are still great roads to travel down.
Rocky Mountain National Park. Amazing ride and great views. Still early in the season and so many Colorado passes are still closed. Trail Ridge Road was closed, so it wasn’t possible to cross the park from east to west. Had to back track south 2+ hours. Worth the trip for sure!
Another great day of riding in Colorado. Next stop Utah.
Arches National Park. Welcome to Mars. Much of Utah either resembles Mars or the Moon. It’s other worldly and Arches NP, there simply is no reason to try and describe it. Pictures do a much better job, but actually being there first hand and experiencing it is key.
Canyonlands National Park. The expansive nature of the views, the formations in the distance, and the surreal quality when gazing at the landscape.
Camping under the stars, not without a few minor challenges. First, the campground lived up to its name, Windwhistle. Enough said. Second my sleeping bag performed exactly to spec. It’s rated to 50 deg. Temps fell into the 30s. All worth it for that star filled sky. Plus met a guy and his dog. A few interesting stories for the journal and maybe the blog. Stay tuned.
After a cold night of camping. Some 20+ miles down the road I found what I was dreaming about. Hot coffee! A great breakfast place with very cool vibes, super food, and good tunes. Plus the added bonus of connecting with two guys who were on a road trip.... and yes, it’s about the people you meet along the way on the road.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Glen Canyon Recreation Area and Capitol Reef National Park. A bunch of great roads in between. Plus, the added benefit of a Mars and Moon landings. From the red earth to what looked like the Moon. Oh, did I say Glen Canyon. Outrageous!
Much of Utah, and especially the National Parks, are a poignant reminder of what planet Earth has been up to for hundreds of millions of years. They existed before people and I’m sure will endure our nonsense. The National Parks serve to foster a deep appreciation for nature and for the planet. It’s crucial that people take away from their visit respect for the environment, but more importantly a sense of awe and reverence for time. Our lives are just a split second relative to the natural phenomenon in these parks, and nature is witness to that.