As I look back on this sabbatical I find I’ve been through a whole range of emotions and done quite a bit of sorting. And a few facts:
- Drove over 3,000 miles
- Walked nearly 100 miles in the 40-some days
- Visited just about every bike shop, independent coffee shop and brewery in the metro area
- Met countless friends and strangers and recharged my broken heart
My list of goals for the time away comprised the following:
- Reconnecting
- Family time
- Walking with Sally
- Finding bike people
- Relearn the neighborhoods
- Looking ahead
- Recharge
The reconnecting with friends went pretty well. Lisa and Roxanne are at the top of the list. Needed to see my “sisters” in person.
Family time. One-on-one time with sis and bro. And Thanksgiving.
Sally and I met our walking goals for the fundraiser with a 2-mile daily walk to a local coffee shop. Made new friends and had some great random conversations, too.
We also visited almost every bike shop within 30 miles. Classic. Campus. Urban. Combined with a coffee shop. Woman-owned. They started calling Sal by name when we walked in. Plus I rode in El Tour and something called Cyclovia.
The neighborhoods was a bit of a taller order.
Recharged, yes. The change of scenery and routine we just what I needed.
Looking ahead helped. Not jumping just yet as Dallas has been my home for 20 years (this house for 15) so I am not ready to just leave.
And, lastly, this happened. Pam had to fade away. I’ve done my best to make her a memory.
More to come. Like the academics who use this mechanism to recharge and recenter, this trip was an opportunity to regroup and reflect.
Relentless
