Galloping to Gallup

I started the day looking out over a beautiful desolation. Nothing as far as the eye could see.





Long day in the saddle 



Heading this way


 

Some beautiful scenery.




After working uphill for 60 miles, I was really looking forward to some tailwind heading into Gallup. But a storm moved in and brought with it swirling winds and no joy on the wind front. I was vexed.   

 Will no one rid me of these meddlesome clouds?

I thought I took a series of pictures of some truly amazing/horrifying billboards, but evidently didn’t hit the shutter button. So I will just describe them here.

INDIAN RUINS
Hot dogs!  Milk Shakes!



—-

Many of my fellow riders are retired. And a number of them have asked me if I’m retired or planning to. I’m not. In fact, I spent most of today’s ride thinking about how to spend the next phase of my career.

I recently read a quote to the effect of… People overestimate what they can get done in a day but underestimate what they can get done in a year or five.

So I’m building a plan for the next five years as I pedal along.  What I will think about. What I will teach. What I will write. How to reach a larger audience. How to create —  not marginal additions to a literature —  but something brand new in the world.

It’s hard to explain to people with normal jobs what it’s like to wake up every day and think about how to create something new, with tremendous freedom as to what and how.  The sabbatical has been a fantastic restart of that process for me.   And this open road creates space to let my mind roam.








Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 14, 2024 at 6:43 PM

    I read “if I’m tired or planning to”….:) Looking forward to reading more of your deep thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Peter HMay 15, 2024 at 5:48 AM

    Great use of long hours on the bike. Looking forward to hearing about your next phase when the plan has come together! Meanwhile, keep pedaling and taking in the scenery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DavidMay 15, 2024 at 3:33 PM

      Thanks Peter! I want to compare notes on how this excursion versus an extended period in a rain forest compare for resets!

      Delete
  3. DebiMay 15, 2024 at 6:31 AM

    So I guess one would call me a crossroads stalker. 😂 Following you, Alan and Jodie on your trek across the US. I have visions of doing this someday so I follow you all to get an idea what it will take. As I sit here at work, trying to work (cough-cough), I rather indulge in reading the mini series of blogs/& watching videos by you all seeing what adventures you all experienced the previous day. Love how your write. You crack me up! I understand riding allowing your brain to escape to think of new things. Being an artist, I can relate. I hope this journey provides a 🧠 on 🔥 moment where you have endless amounts of creativity that leads you into the next phase of your life. And stealing Alan’s tagline, “stay safe out there!”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DavidMay 15, 2024 at 3:34 PM

      Thanks Debi! I thought about doing this for years and it is exactly what I hoped for !

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 15, 2024 at 7:20 AM

    Love, love, love your fabulous commentary and photos! What an exciting and enriching experience for you! As an owner of an organizational brain, I envy and am in awe of your creativity and drive. You should continue working as long as you have the fire in your belly to do so, and it brings you joy! gt

    ReplyDelete
  5. Whitney OverturfMay 15, 2024 at 7:24 AM

    Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts. I can't wait to see your accomplishments in one year or five! I have been grateful to study and learn from you as a Professor and watch you navigate impossible and the unknown for Purdue in a pandemic gracefully. I can honestly share with the world I have a deep level of respect for your accomplishments and grateful to know you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. JayMay 17, 2024 at 6:31 AM

    Good stuff David! Love the comment about academic vs ‘regular’ jobs…what an opportunity we have…looking forward to talking with you about where this journey is taking your thinking on what’s next!

    ReplyDelete

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