Seems like I’ve been here before…..
July, 2011
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Audubon……..
July 20, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
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Fear… Here Today, Gone with Action!!
July 20, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
The funny thing about fear… It does disappear once you walk through it!! I’m having so much fun, experiencing so many things, meeting so many people, I can’t even remember what the heck I was so afraid of in the first place!!
My Dragon Slayer is a Goddess!! She is so steady and sure!! Clipping along with not a care in the world!! She is on an adventure of a life time and you can tell she’s happy by her content growl!!
My biggest limitation on this Journey is my body. The heat seems to zap my energy and I get tired easily. I am staying hydrated although I have to stop more often then I would like to rest. I find myself unable to keep my eyes open and I don’t think my Dragon Slayer has auto pilot!! I usually find a nice rest stop, sleep for 15 min and then we are off again!! My darling daughter told me about those 5 hr energy shots although they are also hard on my body.
So many states are crossed into and so many things are seen in one day that it is hard to remember everything even though I record my thoughts!! I have had to cancel meeting people along the route due to timing and the need to get to my destination. I have been most unhappy about that.
I got to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and messed up going into the toll road. I got confused what to do, didn’t take a ticket and worried the entire way that the police would hunt me down and arrest me!! When I got the to North Midway point, the toll booth lady said I would have to pay $22.00!! I was grateful that the police weren’t waiting for me!! I sure hope I don’t get a ticket in the mail. It was truly an honest mistake.
I thought I was lost, stopped for gas and was told I was right on track!! Problem was, my destination was 200 more miles and it’s already after 8 pm. I decided that I wasn’t going to make it that night. A very nice couple asked me if I needed help and we struck up a conversation!! They donated $5.00 to Big Brothers Big Sisters and best of all, the lady came over to me, held my hands and prayed over me!! Tears of gratitude flowed down my face!! I gave her a great big hug!! I miss that most of all from home, all the hugs from all the people that I love so much!!
I saw many deer along the path as it neared dusk. I loved seeing them with their babies although I knew I needed to be more alert for their road crossings.
Dear Becca, there is a Santa Claus!! He delivered me refreshingly delicious cool rain!! The weather was hot and humid and I kept praying for rain!! When I got up from my power nap, I took off my leather chaps. I felt bad about giving up safety, although I had to cool down… About 15 minutes later, the sky got really dark and the clouds opened up!! It rained so hard I had to slow down to 10 miles an hour because I couldn’t see!! I was sitting on my Dragon Slayer, laughing and singing!! It was the kind of rain that makes you want to dance round and round; have a popsicle stick race; and if I had a special someone, slow, sensual, sweet wet rain kisses!! Glorious rain!! I got soaked through to the skin!!
All in all, it was a wonderful day!! I guess I won’t get a down day this week, although I’m grateful for being able to listen to my body and accept my limitations!!
Thank you everyone, for all your comments, texts and emails!! They inspire me to keep going!! Sweet dreams my Dragon Slayer!!
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Columbus, OH
July 19, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
Little cooler today!! Long trek still to Philly!! Becca, hoping for thunderstorms today!!
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Surrendering to Lifes Stuff!!
July 18, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
It was already hot this morning at 6 am!! Almost 80 degrees!! I put all my cooling gear on!!
The elevator was down and I was stuck on the 11th floor!! When I finally got to my Dragon Slayer, the tire lock wouldn’t come off… OH YEA!! This is going to be a great day!!
The country side was beautiful!! So lush and green!! Very pretty to look at and I took a few pictures from my bike!!
My body is determining what I can do and how far I can ride. I had a few melt downs as I got too tired. At one gas station, the attendant kept coming up to me to ask me if I was ok. I said I was even through the tears were flowing steady. She even sent a customer out to say a prayer for me!! I would make phone calls, cry and keep pushing, getting back on the bike. Finally, I didn’t think I could stay awake any longer and I pulled off the road, laid down and fell into a deep sleep for 45 minutes!!
When I woke up, I felt a million times better and felt like I could ride again for hours!! I was due to meet with Terry of IndyWest H-D and Cyndi of Heels on Wheels although I missed them both. Sorry to the both of them!! I guess it was better to arrive safely!!
Funny thing about today… My fear left me!! I’m on an adventure!! My Dragon Slayer is riding sweet and fast!! She’s a champion!! I was so grateful for all the working out Annie and I’ve been doing!! I wouldn’t make it otherwise!! This pace is grueling on my body but my Dragon Slayer keeps pulling hard!!
I’m not sure of the day and the time change is throwing me off schedule. I didn’t anticipate 12 hour days of riding. I’m not sure what I expected but I was thinking more like 8-10 hours for 600 miles… Guess I was dead wrong!! The roads sometimes are under construction and that slows me down also.
Terry set up an interview with IndyStyle TV and I will be at their studio at 8:30 am Tuesday morning!! I am also meeting with the girls from Hocking Hills Motorcycle Ranch!! Looking forward to that!! Not sure of the additional stops I had planned for tomorrow as it’s a long day of riding. I hate to disappoint people that I said I would see.
Hello to all my friends at home!! I miss you all!! Your posts and text messages are welcomed!! I’m so excited for the next leg of my adventure!!
I stay with a friends on Tuesday!! I’m grateful to be with someone familiar and I’m looking forward to visiting!!
Well, I guess I better get back to sleep!! Sweet dreams my Dragon Slayer!!
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Indiana
July 18, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
Hello!!! In the beautiful state of Indiana!!!
Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!
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Rest
July 18, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
Had to shut down and rest a bit… Needed a spot of food and some talk with some friends!! Laughing through my tears!! The country here is a beautiful green and very lush!! Makes me want to lie under a tree and take a nap!! Almost to St Loius!!
Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!
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Smile
July 18, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
It’s funny how a bright smile will go a long way!!
Came down for breakfast, my body is feeling shaky. There is a tour bus with a slew of retired folks. When I smile at them, they light up and smile back!! Struck up a conversation with one couple and the bus is traveling to Salt Lake City!!
Traci, you will be happy to know that, even though this is a no helmet state, I’m still wearing mine!! I love you Baby Chicken and I’m looking forward to talking to you soon!! Thank you for all your hard work on my Journey!!Off to St. Louis!!
Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!
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We’re not in Cali anymore, Dragon Slayer!!
July 18, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
Long, hot day across Kansas!! Flat country here. Drank lots of water and was very grateful when I finally got to Topeka!!
I seem to hit a wall about @ 400 miles and I stopped for lunch then. My legs were weak underneath me and I’m sure it is due to the heat.
I’m certainly glad that I’ve been training my body, getting ready for this trip. All those squats made my legs strong!! When I would tell people about training for my trip they usually say the same thing, “Are you riding every day.” I would think to myself, why would I ride every day, I know how to ride? For a brief moment, I would wonder if I’m doing something wrong. “No, I’m training like an athlete would, to prepare my body.” “Good idea”, they would always say!!
My Dragon Slayer is running beautifully!! Strong and sure, she carries me over the miles!! A few times, her gas light came on, I always get nervous when that happens. She can go about 150 miles on a tank when I’m doing 80. She does much better on gas mileage at 70 or below!!
When I arrived at the hotel, I could barely hold onto my emotions and the tears wanted to come. I sure cry a lot!! I miss everyone at home and I was hungry, hot and tired. I didn’t even clean up before I went to eat. The girl at the restaurant was sweet to me and got me my food quickly!! I felt so much better after I ate!! Laid my head down and off to sleep I went!!
Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!
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Package
July 17, 2011 by Linda Lee Patterson
When I arrived in Denver, there was a package waiting for me!! It was full of little simple gifts!! It’s great to have friends!! What a nice surprise after how I was feeling that day!! One very special gift was a dog tag with my name, Journey to Change and July 15, 2011!! WOW WOW!!
Posted by Linda Patterson on the run!!
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