Sunday, June 8, 2025 Day 8
Colonial Creek Campground, WA to Winthrop, WA

Miles: 64.53
Elevation: 4,951
Time: 7 hrs 55 minutes

Total miles: 343.06
Total Elevation: 15,600
Total Time: 37 hrs 24 minutes

The Day.

This is the day that frightened me such I worked hard to lose weight so I could climb the hill. This was my elephant. Could I eat it? All the fears and life experiences one carries was brought into focus. Am I strong enough? Will I make it? I know for many cyclists, the miles and elevation gain are really nothing for them. But for me this was a huge day. Trying to stay in a sustainable pace, riding day after day and on a fully loaded bike, needless to say, it seemed daunting.

And then my mind’s eye shifted.

This is not hard…impossible. It’s just work. Losing a loved one is hard.

This is not hard…fighting for your life…for whatever reason, is hard. This is just work.

This is not hard. It’s just work. This is something I chose to do unlike those who are thrust upon a situation beyond their control.

And with immense gratitude, I began to climb. Sometimes, it was difficult so I got off and walked. No shame. Just keep going. We were engulfed in the most spectacular beauty, with waterfalls everywhere. Twice, our water ran low so Drew captured water from one of the waterfalls. Even the patches of snow along the roadside gave us relief from the burning sun.

My mind went to all those who so selflessly served our country and the situations they endured.

This is not hard. It’s just work.

Once we summated, the descent was long and welcome!

Soon we were in Mazama and we pushed on to Winthrop.

Today, I am reminded how our fears, many well entrenched, can shape our minds and perhaps doesn’t serve us well. I decided fear is too heavy to carry on the bike so I’m leaving it behind. I choose to replace it with courage.

Wishing you courage to tackle your toughest climbs, whatever they may be.

#RoadrunnerTour2025

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