Denver, CO.

Minus the bitterly cold weather that decided to follow me, Denver, Colorado has treated me well and has treated me right.

I've learned that being lost isn't always a bad thing, especially when time doesn't seem to matter and you're with people who you can laugh with when the wrong turn is made. About 45 minutes past our destination, my sister, cousin, and I praised the Lord for the directional savvy invention called the smartphone. This was the perfect place and time for the use of my love/hate relationship for technology. This little moment of being lost, and in a sense lost in the right direction taught me that I enjoy the process it takes to reach a goal and not just the goal in itself. Although we took the long way by accident, we still were able to enjoy ourselves and make it to the places we were meant to be. 

Golden, Co. was a beautiful little town. We stopped in a cute coffee cafe filled with first date couples and a comfy couch that fit my butt cheeks nicely. The hand painted artwork lining the walls near the ceiling were unique and created a warm-welcoming vibe. To top it all off, their drinks were right on point. 

I took a week away from the bike and bummed a ride (with no hands!) on the back of this generous fellow below. Unfortunately, we didn't get too far.

Coming from Oregon, I was very impressed with the Denver zoo. The animals appeared to be lively and comfortable in their cages with plenty of room to roam. My niece, Sundari and I loved the elephants!

I spent my final night cheering my favorite home team, The Portland Trailblazers to victory at the Pepsi Center. The blazers ate the nuggets right up, leaving me a happy fan which made for a phenomenal trip in the great city of Denver, CO! 

Cartoon Laura

Yesterday I tackled my longest ride yet, a whopping 30 miles. Sore legs made for a day of rest. I now have 67 miles logged and 433 miles left to ride with 3 months to go.

I want to give a S/O to the lovely co-worker of mine, Stephanie for keeping a part of me on the map. Cool bike, sweet basket of muffins, and I'm loving the groovy outfit. Hopefully, I'll look just as stellar riding through the states as I do in this creative cartoon masterpiece:

Maybe not physically, but it is so possible to be in two places at once. Feeling the love from home.

The Love Tree

The feeling of accomplishment is such a comforting reward. This week I was able to attain two personal goals I set for myself. The first being a 20 mile bike ride around unfamiliar roads in Tennessee. Not having any clue where I am in this tiny town of Clarksville enables my mind to wander and heart to explore. Pedaling solo down roads I've never seen before can be dicey, but part of life is about taking blind risks to see what glorious place we'll end up at.

This morning, I ambitiously achieved my second goal. 21 degrees and snowing, I finished the Hot Chocolate 15K run in Nashville. I can officially cross Tennessee off my list of states to complete a race...2 states down, 48 more to go. Thrilled and to my surprise, I placed 136/1834 overall and 4/64 for my age group by running a consistent 8 minute mile pace. Hard work really does pay off and was the perfect justification for indulging the Ghardelli chocolate fondue after crossing the finish line.

For lunch, My sister and I strolled down 12th street in Nashville. This cute street reminded my of a street similar to NW 23rd in Portland. I was pleased to finally get a slight taste of home outside Oregon. Outside a popular coffeehouse called Frothy Monkey was a tree filled with love letters and attached was a welcoming note for strangers to pick one. I reached for a letter that read, "hello love" and inside were the handwritten words, "you are helpful, and you are loved, and you are forgiven, and you are not alone" -John Green. Such a sweet way to start my day, and a thoughtful gesture written by a stranger who I will most likely never know. Strange, yet wondrous how an unpredictable note that happened to strike my curiosity reminded me of the importance to love in this world.

LOVE ALWAYS xoxo

Getting Jiggy With It

Bike and Build update:
Tomorrow is the $500 fundraising deadline. Thanks to all my benevolent supporters, I have far exceeded that amount. To date, I have raised $4,285! Earlier today my fellow riders and I started documenting our training bike ride mileage to keep us all on track to reach our 500 mile goal before taking off on our adventure. Still finding my groove, I have completed 7/500 miles in one ride since I received my bike. One pedal at a time, I am determined to knock out these next 493 miles in the next three months before the real fun begins. I can do it, I can do it, I will do it!

Woke up feeling chipper for the first time since I've been battling this nasty cold, I finally was able to catch a breath of fresh air and not feel crummy while doing so. I strolled down my frequent route around Clarksville, but this time in a new style. Shuffling through the songs on my ipod, Will Smith's "Getting Jiggy With It" came on, and I started to jig. Luckily for the publics sake, very few cars passed by me as I un-ashamedly danced my way around. Dancing and singing, while tuning out the distractions around me was refreshing, exhilarating, and left my spirit feeling free. Zoning out in my own little world was just what the doctor ordered! :)

Under The Weather, But More Like Over It.

The sniffles hit hard and fast. Klenex and Riiiiiiiicola cough drops are the only things allowing oxygen to pass through my airways right now. I'm over this stormy winter weather that leaves my twinkle toes ice-cold each night, even underneath a pile of blankets.

White fluff on the ground didn't hinder my ride on my snazzy new bike. The slick black streets had me swerving down hills, but I'd take that over the chilly wind blowing straight into my face. After riding around for about an hour, my numb chin and Rudolph red nose had enough agony for one ride. Although I was miserable, I remind myself with "no pain there's no gain." Never am I satisfied ending a workout without a single muscle ache in my body. Exercise is my healthy impulse for self-discipline, and a boost of confidence enabling me to feel sane in this wacky unpredictable world.

Three days ago, I tightly squeezed my brother-in-law goodbye. Holding back tears from streaming down my cheeks, I watched him love my sister and nephew with one last kiss before he picked up his camouflage bags and walked away. I commend Nick, one of many brave soldiers who is courageously sacrificing his place of comfort, and placing his life at risk to defend our American dignity. Prayers, and high hopes his return home will be a remarkable moment worth celebrating.