Thank you … I am two weeks back home already, and holding on to the memories tight by writing these words and looking back at the images. I was SO in the moment, feeling it all so keenly, that this stage feels … mm, not sure - a little matte finish, not so vivid. But the pictures transport me. I think I’m craving time back on the bike … it is very freeing.
I was with you every inch of the way over Kirkstone Pass, how I wish I had the strength and energy to cycle it, walking up the fells is enough to test me! I love the whole idea of this though Barrie - such an amazing adventure and the perfect way to mark a special birthday making new memories and maybe some friends along the way.
Thank you so much for such kind words … it is everything a writer can hope for that their words - in some small way - transport the reader. It truly has been an amazing experience and I am still wrestling with the words to unlock what it has meant to me. This is such a lovely encouragement to me to keep searching them out.
I’d go again like a shot … but without the weight I was carrying in the sacoches! Maybe thinner tyres too! I’m super-glad to have got up it but I always feel I can do it ‘better’.
Great experience. I think I might have said it previously but I admire your determination and resilience to undertake such a journey. I really like that sign The Struggle. I think the council in Kerry could put up a few of those signs on the steep inclines on the Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara! Of course, it's not just a physical struggle but a mental one at times too 🤣🥺
Thank you, Lucy … I love that there is often a hint of humour in the signs (there’s one just outside Abergavenny called The Tumble that makes me smile, though the time I rode up it there were more grimaces than grins!). In the Pyrenees I climbed Col des Morts … and felt maybe not dead but expired at the top! I think you are right; so much of these adventures is in the head … I have mantras like ‘I chose to do this’ or ‘I have never not got to where I’m heading’ that I bring out when the going gets tough.
I really am enjoying your journey Barrie. I love the fact you gifted this experience to yourself - wholesome given there is just not enough ‘self investment’ in the world. It resonates as I have a few weeks left of my journey being separated from family. It has allowed freedom of thought as to what is important and what really isn’t. Keep spinning my friend. Not jealous at all,I just feel blessed to be allowed to share your journey.
I probably have a piece to write about how investing in our ‘best self’ brings us to our loved ones and the folk we meet along the way in a state that allows us to add, to engage, to listen, to share in a better way than otherwise. Thanks for looking in on it, Daz, and for the encouragement. Excited for your reunion. You’ll be counting down the days. B
It truly has offered me not just the moments, but the moments of reflection afterwards too. So much experienced and nudged into my thoughts. I’m so glad I offered the opportunity to myself … often in the past I have maybe felt that I should prioritise other things. Thank you so much for reading and - in doing so - sharing the ride.
The struggle was definitely worth it - gorgeous views!
Thank you … I am two weeks back home already, and holding on to the memories tight by writing these words and looking back at the images. I was SO in the moment, feeling it all so keenly, that this stage feels … mm, not sure - a little matte finish, not so vivid. But the pictures transport me. I think I’m craving time back on the bike … it is very freeing.
Happy Birthday, Barrie! What a fantastic adventure!
Thank you so much, Priya. Still making sense of it. I’m sure I will be for a long while.
There’s a book in here!
I’ll start with a few more posts and see what emerges … but thank you, sincerely, for that encouraging thought, Priya!
I was with you every inch of the way over Kirkstone Pass, how I wish I had the strength and energy to cycle it, walking up the fells is enough to test me! I love the whole idea of this though Barrie - such an amazing adventure and the perfect way to mark a special birthday making new memories and maybe some friends along the way.
Thank you so much for such kind words … it is everything a writer can hope for that their words - in some small way - transport the reader. It truly has been an amazing experience and I am still wrestling with the words to unlock what it has meant to me. This is such a lovely encouragement to me to keep searching them out.
Another very enjoyable journey with you Barrie, which envoked some memories of my own of the Highlands and Lake District ! 🥂
Both amazing places; so happy to have gently triggered some memories, Carol.
Kirkstone Pass is a beast in a car! Hard to imagine cycling over it! Chapeau!
I’d go again like a shot … but without the weight I was carrying in the sacoches! Maybe thinner tyres too! I’m super-glad to have got up it but I always feel I can do it ‘better’.
Great experience. I think I might have said it previously but I admire your determination and resilience to undertake such a journey. I really like that sign The Struggle. I think the council in Kerry could put up a few of those signs on the steep inclines on the Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara! Of course, it's not just a physical struggle but a mental one at times too 🤣🥺
Thank you, Lucy … I love that there is often a hint of humour in the signs (there’s one just outside Abergavenny called The Tumble that makes me smile, though the time I rode up it there were more grimaces than grins!). In the Pyrenees I climbed Col des Morts … and felt maybe not dead but expired at the top! I think you are right; so much of these adventures is in the head … I have mantras like ‘I chose to do this’ or ‘I have never not got to where I’m heading’ that I bring out when the going gets tough.
Bravo Barrie! I like your style.
Thank you so much, Alan. Very kind.
Such an inspiring adventure, and a wonderful story too.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Really enjoying the reflections and making sense of it all.
What an amazing trip Barrie!
So much still to reflect on. So happy I made the space to experience it. 🙏
I really am enjoying your journey Barrie. I love the fact you gifted this experience to yourself - wholesome given there is just not enough ‘self investment’ in the world. It resonates as I have a few weeks left of my journey being separated from family. It has allowed freedom of thought as to what is important and what really isn’t. Keep spinning my friend. Not jealous at all,I just feel blessed to be allowed to share your journey.
I probably have a piece to write about how investing in our ‘best self’ brings us to our loved ones and the folk we meet along the way in a state that allows us to add, to engage, to listen, to share in a better way than otherwise. Thanks for looking in on it, Daz, and for the encouragement. Excited for your reunion. You’ll be counting down the days. B
Wow Wow Wow! What a journey. Such a wide variety of people you met up with. Such kindness along the way. I envy you this holiday, my friend.
It truly has offered me not just the moments, but the moments of reflection afterwards too. So much experienced and nudged into my thoughts. I’m so glad I offered the opportunity to myself … often in the past I have maybe felt that I should prioritise other things. Thank you so much for reading and - in doing so - sharing the ride.