This is the beginning of an amazing journey and I’m better for it.  There are those moments where you are pushed to see what you really have in you. The feeling of getting through it is so rewarding even if you may have been frustrated along the way. A great philosopher once said, “I didn’t make the @rambleride easy for a reason, it’s supposed to challenge you and take you places you haven’t been before. Hell, I know you curse my name during the day!”, this from Peter Discoe who started the Ramble Ride. Discoe, along with his amazing family and amazing group of volunteers that make the magic happen for the Ramble Ride. 

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Each day can be its own beast and I guess you’d say with each day comes with new and different challenges along the way. And as each day pushes you further than the last, there is a sense of support that comes along with the day's ride and ultimately puts you at ease. I say this as I look back at getting my butt kicked on the first day of riding and having moments of why the bleep am I doing this. But without pain there is no glory and finally arriving at camp the crew welcomes you with open arms along with any riders that came in before you. There is a sense of friendship and be it family that makes some of that pain from the day go away.

Planning for the unknowns usually falls on unexpected weather that wasn’t forecasted, coming out of nowhere when riding at altitude on gravel roads in Wyoming and Colorado. On day two, weather was far from the asterisks to the day, as we all got to get a little of our cowboy/rancher on. We rolled up to the lunch break spot where Peter had food waiting for us and making sure everyone had plenty to drink as the day was pretty hot. Then as more came in to take a break, he informed us that he had driven up to the spot through a cattle drive and it had doubled his time getting up there. 

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After refueling with some food and drink and knowing what obstacles were potentially waiting ahead, I knew it was time to get on the road. I actually rode for quite a while before I started to hear the moo’s from the cattle ahead. After a couple more corners there they were in huge herds, covering the road from one side to the other. As I slowly rode through the herd, I caught up to one of the cowboys driving them and he looked over and said, “If you’re cool, just ride straight on through and tell them to get out of the way.” So I kept on peddaling, giving the cows some encouragement to get the hell out of my way... while laughing to myself. 

I definitely didn’t have weaving through a cattle drive on my list to check off, but now I do, thanks to the Ramble Ride and I can't wait to see what next year brings.