"You really get to know yourself on a trip like this"-- Big Greg
You can take any 'ol time to yourself to meditate, introspect. You can make a journey in your mind. But unless you are a master yogi, I don't think it will compare with taking the concrete trip in the material world. As Big Greg so eloquently put it, "you really get to know yourself on a trip like this." I agree.
When he said this, something kept nudging at me. What didn't he say? The missing piece is what rang in my head. When did I/you lose knowledge in myself/ourselves?
On that Pacific Coast I thought, much like I had been thinking through the countless miles across the country.
When you ride on a long trip like this, you are by yourself, covering many miles. There is no one next to you to talk to. There is no radio or cell phone. Sure your mind is dealing with traffic, road conditions, weather, the mechanical machine you are on. You take in the beautiful scenery, breather the fresh air, etc. But these things are internalized after a while and become so second nature that a another you inside of you is taking charge of those things. You are now left in a free floating state of thought.
This is an amazing and instantaneous thing I find. That the mind takes care of some physical functions that require thought or knowledge while another mind can be left free for other, perhaps more meaningful, thought.
When in my daily routine at home, work, friends, family, serious, jovial, this, that,... am I conscious of what's going on inside? The process, where is it going? In this life-term of years I've been allotted, what has become, is becoming of self?
This trip. Why did he do it? Why does anybody do something like this? I suppose the answer is deep and even I haven't gone there. But aside from being out there, seeing and experiencing the world, it is a quest for self: the greater trip.
I think there is a lot to what you are saying here and I think that your last set of questions has a lot more than one answer. I often find myself in the "free floating thought" phase on long bike trips. I find it helps me clarify MY view on different topics...without all the external influences and situations that life brings us day to day. I also find it to be a great place to sometimes think at peace. Reflecting on life in general without precident, anger, jealousy, sadness, joy, fanatacism or the like.
ReplyDeleteI am sure getting to that point is a good reason to ride long distance...but I like to believe that it has more to do with your next post mentioning the "alpha male". I think it is the challenge a long ride brings. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the end. Like the old saying goes " No pain....no gain". I think that is a staple for the alpha male. I love to see new places, FEEL the countryside as I rip by on my bike. Giving us "alpha male's" that "I AM ALL THAT IS MAN!!" feeling.
Keep riding...keep writing brother.
Dave
Thanks Danny for the adventure! I felt like I was riding the bike myself! You are a brilliant writer and you should continue the memoir with your future adventures! Your grandkids will treasure this, one day! You are inspirational! :o) Rosie Posie
ReplyDelete