reflecting on what the heck I’m about to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon
Hi, I’m Danielle. Or you can call me D. Originally from Louisville, KY metropolitan area I became a bicycle commuter when the last car I owned broke down in 2014. A year after graduating college, in August 2016, I moved to Seattle, WA for a fresh start and new perspective. It is there where I found my love for bicycle touring.
So many paths and choices I have made brought me here today. I am now less than 2 weeks out from embarking on a 3.5 month long bicycle tour across the United States. I will begin in San Diego, CA and end in Holden Beach, NC. In mid-June, my mom, siblings and other family members will be in NC, vacationing. That’s determined the final destination. This was originally planned as a solo trip. Since the idea sparked, friends have toyed with plans of riding small stretches with me along the way. My 19 year old brother even considered meeting up with me and riding. I don’t know who will be making it out at this point, but I do know that my sweet, tender-loving partner has decided to join me on this adventure. He is fairly new to cycling, but rarely a complainer. I’m so enthralled with this idea of leading him across the country in a way that makes me feel empowered and free. I can only hope he is overcome by the same amount of joy and wander that cycling brings to me.
There are countless amounts of people that have come and gone and remained in my life-- who’ve influenced and supported me along the way. My gratitude is immeasurable. It brings me to tears to think about the last few years here in WA-- highs and lows, alike. Washington has become home. Washington blossomed the love affairs that are with the Earth and with myself. I’ve been stirred in ways I’ve never felt before. Moving away from my home of origin, for the first time in my life at age 25, was incredibly crucial for self-discovery, conscious growth and healing. The flood of emotions I get when reflecting on even the last 5 years of my life are complicated and messy and full of a whole lotta not knowing what the heck I’m doing. I’m only better for it. This process is a lifetime and I am actively seeking more self-worth, love and empowerment. I have the privilege to move about in this world with a mobile, white and cis-gendered body. I acknowledge and I am thankful for the economic privilege I have to do this trip. As a service industry worker, it is truly great that my job allowed me to pay on my student loans, pay rent and save for this tour. Riding a bicycle has been vital to all of the things I am learning about myself. The challenges that come with touring have boosted my confidence exponentially! Bikes hold a special space where I’ve allowed both failure and resilience to take place. I hope you enjoy this roller coaster (or bike ride) of EMOTIONS..
I just wanna say~~~I am using this blog as a diary of sorts AS WELL AS a fun way for you to follow me across the country. I am practicing vulnerability, as it’s never been my strong suite. It is something I am consciously working on and I am taking baby steps. You will certainly be reading information and viewing photos of art and the landscape I encounter BUT you’ll also have the option to witness a lot of feelings. I don’t think I have the most organized brain. I want to thank you ahead of time for sitting through the scattered thoughts and streams of consciousness. Maybe by the end of this trip I will learn to make my posts a lil neater. <3
