Why again?

So I don’t think I’ve really settled this; why?

Warning: Work In Progress.

I just visited the tour divide tracker registration page. It paints a pretty clear picture: this is a race, if you’re not racing sign up on the GDMBR tracker.

I’ve thought a lot about this – I’m still conflicted and honestly terrified and: I’m signing up for the race.

This almost certainly means ‘failure’ – very slim chance I will maintain the 90+ miles a day it takes to remain competitive, and I’ll probably miss that mark on day. And, I’m still gonna do it.

Basically – I want to be brave about this. It’s what I signed up for. And I’m not doing the thing they are discouraging (going with a group, sharing gear). And, some of my co-riders from previous years are riding (Randy Neil, Ralph Karsten). I’m in this to race my race, at my pace. I think I have the spirit right.

Looks like the southern end route has a couple deviations from the GDMBR route, a bit more hilly. So I got that going for me.

Not Why:

• To win it

Maybe Why:

• To do it better
• Develop expertise & reputation
• Use it or lose it: justifying a gear hobby. Gear hound.

Why:

• To finish (the whole route): personal
• Live my identity
• To see it
• Weight loss program
• Ain’t getting any younger!
• Prove you can don’t on the old shit
• Fishing for stories

It’s maybe easier to think about the what than the why.

What it’s not (maybe):

• A race

What it is: more like hiking the PCT.

More thoughts later: (June 21):

To see what you’re capable of.

To keep moving. Thank you John Davila for the wisdom