September 15th, 2009
The job search has resulted in very little. I am fortified by knowing I have done well interviews and although they have not yet equated to a paying job, I remain a little hopeful. Since we have planned the trip to Spain for three weeks, I suppose it would be difficult to start something new before going, or have to scrap the trip altogether.
And it is going to be an exciting trip!....Sept 20th to October 11th San Sebastian to Barcelona by bike!!!
I finally took some time to scour the maps and reorganize the equipment. When planning a bike tour it's an interesting mix of bringing everything you need to be totally self-supported and contained, yet making decisions based on weight as well. The best way to do this is load up your bike with everything you want and ride up a huge hill. Suddenly essential items seem less essential and what you brought just in case turns into I don't want to friggin carry this crap! I must admit we haven't been riding nearly enough to make such informed decisions so I am not sure how much over weight we are going to be.
Oh well, the route seems exciting enough. We land in San Sebastian and head eastbound to Barcelona. In order to complete the route in the projected mileage we really don't have many days off. But all of that is just a projection- the map always looks easy to do until your tires hit the pavement, the wind knocks you back and when you thought you were almost to the top of the pass, you realize you have another mile of twists and turns. So its all just a plan and we are in agreement on this- we have the beginning and end dates set and I have highlighted the map but nothing is set in stone.
The rest will be a test to working in a partnership. Since I have done most trips alone, although I have done a few trips with friends and a small group, I am going to have to work on giving up a bit of the control. When you travel alone you have to be really decisive and I have found that I quickly settle in to my way of doing things which I hone down day by day...Its my own intuition I learn to listen to, my own body rhythms and my own sense of efficiency. Will there be room for someone else in this?
I know that I have missed some sights and opportunities because of choices I have made. Its like the Robert Frost poem where you reach a fork in the road and make a choice. No doubt my choices have lead me down certain paths which have not allowed me to explore others, and so I am open to what those may be. A good travel/riding partner will open up those possibilities- perhaps even allow for more choices and more freedom. Maybe I won't have to be so paranoid about whom I talk to, where I leave my bike and that feeling of loneliness you get in restaurants and bars. I know I am going to have to give up some control in exchange for this and here's to hoping I will be successful in doing that!
