Preface

This ride was originally planned for 2009, when Curtis would be home on leave from his deployment in Iraq.  We were hoping to have Charlie, Mike and Joe on the ride then, but dates got shifted and Mike and Joe could not make it.  And because we were concerned about the weather, a hurricane was headed toward the area when we were planning on being there, we went south last year.  And this year, Charlie wasn’t able to make it.  We missed everyone, but hey, we had to go.

One early morning on this ride, when it was cool and the roads were empty, the scenery was wonderful, and everything was about as good as it can be, a song came on my iPod.  I couldn’t help but think that the song captured it all.  It said exactly why we do these kinds of rides.  So read the lyrics, or better yet, play the song, and read this journal.  Hopefully, besides the great camaraderie we share while on the trip, you too will understand how we can spend so much time each day covering some many miles.

Lyrics (abridged) of I Hope You Dance, by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance!
I hope you dance

Everyone dances differently.  Some move their feet a lot, some move their hands and heads a lot.  We were given a chance to dance, and this is how we danced …