This morning as I was trying to work on my final paper, I immediately starting to not work on my final paper. I began doodling a little VW Bus, thinking about my next travels, and it reminded me of my parents. Nate and I have both been extremely blessed with such rad parents. 

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One story that I will never forget was a trip up to Montana with my old man and Nate. We went up there for a bike race. The plan was to drive up, race, and then my dad was going to ride his bike home, camping and fishing along the way. We were debating to drive straight home, or spend a few days in Yellowstone and surrounding areas. Our decision was made for us when we woke up, my dad had already hit the road on his bicycle, and there was a quote taped to the steering wheel. 

““Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go””

— TS Elliot

​It may have been a simple gesture, and done without much thought, but it hit me pretty hard, and has stuck with me. I hope to be more like my old man.  Get out there, push limits, push boundaries, and see just how far you can go. 

“Just so you know, its the peple who are part of our lives that make every moment worth it. They reveal us, grow with us, and share our time with us. Don’t ever let them go””

Northern France

Its that time of year again, my first European race on the 2013 race calendar, Boucle del Artois. I woke up to a light dusting of snow as a looked out my window this morning.... not what I was hoping for. It has been an unusually chilly spring here in Europe, and it shows no signs of warming up, but we keep on keepin on. As we made our way from Sittard, Holland to Arras, France, I watched the landscapes subtle changes and couldn't help but listen to a little Bon Iver to add to the ambiance. We sped through little villages full of history and culture, and it made me grateful for the opportunities that have been placed in front of me (Even if it is 4 degrees C).  Every time I travel, I am humbled and grateful to see the way people live in different parts of the world, and to make the realization that no matter the language, no matter the country, people as whole are generous, kind, and genuine. I feel like I learn so much from experiencing new places and new people; I feel alive. I get more from one trip/adventure, than I do a semester at University. Today, I am thankful for new places, even if they are freezing. 

What has been your favorite country? Why? Was it the people? The landscape? The food?