Day 7: Reflections from the Road – Highlights and Lessons from Week One

Today’s Highlights: Before I dive into the route, let me tell you – my legs and mind conspired against me. All day, I could’ve sworn I was peddling uphill. Was it? Absolutely not. Did my body believe otherwise? 100%. The brain really does have a quirky sense of humor. No coasting today, just pure, relentless peddling.

The route today was a mix: off A1A and US1 for over half the day, cruising alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. And can we talk about the scenic highway? I mean, it’s called scenic for a reason! The sunlight glistened off the water, making it feel like I was biking through a dream. At one point, I passed a yard that looked like the set of Deck the Halls, but Halloween edition – yes, picture pending.

Lunch? Oh, I dined in style on a wall overlooking the water. Rode along the intercoastal for about 18 miles of today’s 47, soaking up the salt air, the views, and a whole lot of gratitude. Oddly enough, I didn’t see many other riders. I guess 89°F with 90% humidity didn’t scream “perfect day for a ride” to everyone else. Lightweights.

I’m starting to think the weather is laughing at me. It rained. Not a torrential downpour, just enough to remind me that, yes, I will still need a real shower later. And now for the tragic news: my last orange “I’m here” flag is officially out there finding Nemo. I never saw it leave, but one moment it was with me, the next, gone with the wind. To top it off, a gust snapped my big flagpole. Yes, folks, I was flagless, like a ship without its sails.

Luckily, Trek Cycles of Melbourne came to my rescue with two shiny new orange Catrike flags. As for navigation, I only went rogue on the route twice today, adding a modest 2 miles. No biggie, right? Overall, a scenic, flag-losing, leg-burning, sun-filled day.

Week One Reflections:

It’s been seven days on the journey (six pedaling days and one zero-day), and boy, have I learned a lot. Here are the week’s biggest lessons:

1. Count Your Blessings: I am beyond blessed to be doing what I’m doing. Every day, I get to see jaw-dropping architecture, visit historic sites, meet people, and spread awareness about brain injuries. What more could I ask for?
2. Gear Strategy – Less is More: Think you’ve packed light? Nope. Whatever you think is essential, cut 50% of it. Seriously. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself mailing half of it back home, trust me.
3. Yes, a Trike Can Tip: Recumbent tadpole trikes, even with three wheels, can get top-heavy. Ask me how I know.
4. Pedal Defensively: While most drivers are considerate, there are always a few knuckleheads out there. Stay alert, folks, even in sunny Florida.
5. Post-Pedal Time Management: If you pedal for too long, you’ll never have enough time to share your daily thoughts. Trust me on this one.
6. Plan for the Unpredictable: Wallets go missing, bikes need road repairs, and water stops are often far and few between. Prep rides are great, but real-world road trips are a must to get used to the chaos.

Final Thoughts:

This journey is worth every speed bump and flag mishap along the way. For anyone out there facing seemingly insurmountable odds after a brain injury, or any other life-altering challenge, remember this: It’s hard, it’s discouraging, but it’s not impossible. The 900-mile journey didn’t start as 900 miles. It started with one step. Then two. Reset your goals, make them achievable, and keep moving forward. Every step is a victory.

If you’re feeling down, let me say it again: if there’s life, there’s hope.

Now, on to the next day of pedaling – with all of you in mind, especially those of you battling brain injuries or other tough conditions. I am truly a blessed man. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)