Day 4: A place to rest

Day 4 journal:

Today started off strangely. I awoke outside and for a second wondered where the hell I was. As my memories started coming back to me, I realized that it was my ex's birthday. 6am Pacific time was early, but I sent her a message anyway.

I began to gather my things and load up my bike going through my morning routine. I lubed the chain, loaded my bags, stowed my gear and waited for my host to wake up. We rode our bikes over to the farmers market for breakfast, which was awesome. Afterwards we left my bike at the Motorcycle Repair shop and went off to run errands around town. We moved a truck, I rode his dirtbike around (which was not very forgiving on my arms, too much vibration) and helped him accomplish some things he needed to do. My host got a ticket, running a red light which he blamed on me distracting him. I think he was looking to feel better about his mistake, but whatever. Done is done.

I spent about 3 hours in Missoula trying to track down a tire. Store after store told me they would be weeks out ordering one. I was beginning to get stressed out, thinking I was stuck until my ex girlfriend sent me a text message back. It brightened my day immeasurably. She thanked me for her birthday presents (which I have given her before I left) and helped me steady myself and pray for the outcome I want. I began calling around myself (since my host and the owner of the shop were no help) and found the one 100/80-16 tire in Montana which was at a shop in Helena. My host did a quick check of my bike and noticed my tire pressure was stupid low… oops. That explains my tire problem. He pumped them up for me, gave me some last minute pointers about adventure riding and off I was wishing them well. The 115 mile ride to Helena was slow! I was on a dangerous front tire and took it real easy. My body ached, and as I descended into Helena, I was deeply satisfied. I located the dealership quickly enough and got my tire replaced.

The guy at the dealership was pretty cool. He gave me a deal on the tire and installation (still $160!!!) and got me on the road. We talked about adventure riding and traded some stories. It was nice to inspire another stranger with my passion for life. I sure like the influence I am having on the world around me.

Back on the road, I drove as quickly as I could… down to Townsend, 70 miles away from Helena. I filled up on gas and had another quick conversation with my ex via text that lifted my spirits of the final push. Arriving at the family ranch, I felt relief. Sitting here in the place where I spent so many weeks of my childhood I feel at ease. I know I have a novel to write, and that in my quest, the ride is the easy part… so begins the next chapter of this quest.

An interesting revelation today… I was talking to my grandmother about my childhood and she was telling me about how when I was a kid, she knew what kind of man I would grow up to be. I was fascinated by this… because she could see the differences between my brothers and I as we grew up. How we would be… She said I was always so sweet and nice, very polite. She said that people loved me wherever I went, and so I loved people. I don’t know when that changed for me, when my fellow man was worthy of only my disdain, but I find it curious. On this trip, I feel connected to other riders, people in other parts of the country and of course, to the girl back home. I think I was let down too often by other people… and this caused me to start disliking them. I want to find my love for them again.

She also said I was always happy to help with whatever work that she had given me as a kid. I guess I should expand upon the virtues of my childhood and be sure to work hard while I am feeling passionate about things in my life. Hold onto the fire.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I feel like all this time in my own head is helping me resolve a lot of issues in my life.