One Day at a Time: 2,800 Miles Down, 700 to Go

I crossed into New Mexico today.

After roughly 2,800 miles, I have now ridden through North Dakota, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and into the final state of my Great Divide Mountain Bike Route journey: New Mexico.

About 700 miles remain.

The journey has certainly not gone according to plan.

Since leaving Grand Forks, North Dakota, on July 19, I’ve faced unpredictable weather, challenging terrain, high elevations, remote wilderness and, from the beginning, at least three cracked ribs. But through all of it, I’ve continued to move forward.

Today, I said goodbye to my friend and riding partner, Ken, as well as three riders we met from Alaska. Weather conditions in the mountains have become increasingly unpredictable, causing delays and forcing us to reconsider our routes. Ken had other commitments to weigh as the possibility of additional weather delays became a reality.

So, for now, I’m taking it one day at a time.

Adjust. Adapt. Keep Moving.

There are some significant climbs ahead in New Mexico, along with desert sections and approximately 700 miles still to ride. Because of the weather, I’m taking some suggested alternative routes that involve more road riding rather than remote mountain-bike routes at higher elevations.

Apparently, El Niño conditions in the Pacific are contributing to high moisture levels in the lower Rockies, creating some serious challenges for riders.

In fact, as I write this, I’m hunkered down in Abiquiu, New Mexico, staying with a generous Warm Showers host through Thursday morning while I wait out a major weather front.

Some sections of the Great Divide route have become impassable peanut butter mud.

Interestingly, these are some of the same kinds of conditions our forefathers encountered while traveling the Old Spanish Trail.

Sometimes you simply have to wait.

Sometimes you have to change your route.

Sometimes you have to climb.

And sometimes you have to accept that the conditions aren’t going to cooperate with your plans.

That’s part of riding the Great Divide.

And, in many ways, it’s a great metaphor for life.

You have an objective. You have a purpose. But you don’t always get to choose the conditions you face along the way.

You have to adjust.

You have to adapt.

And you have to find a way to keep moving toward your objective.

The Purpose Remains the Same

For me, that objective goes beyond reaching the U.S.-Mexico border.

I am riding this route to bring greater awareness to the alarming increase in youth gun violence.

The demanding nature of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route provides a powerful metaphor. There are difficult climbs, unexpected obstacles, changing conditions and moments when the easiest thing would be to stop.

But the purpose keeps me moving.

I am also riding to raise $70,000 for Lord’s Gym Ministries to help bring increased awareness to youth gun violence.

Thanks to so many of you who have supported this effort, we are now about halfway to that goal.

I am incredibly grateful.

There are still approximately 700 miles ahead of me, and my desire is to see this journey through to the finish at the U.S.-Mexico border in the coming weeks.

I don’t know exactly what the next 700 miles will bring.

I know there will be more climbs.

I know there will be more challenges.

And, given the weather, there will probably be more adjustments.

But I’ll keep taking it one day at a time.

Thank you for riding along with me.

Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, your comments, your financial support and for sharing this journey with others.

Please continue to share the story with your friends and family. The more people who hear the message, the greater opportunity we have to bring awareness to the devastating impact of youth gun violence.

The finish line is getting closer.

Blessings, and stand firm.

— Scott

To support the mission of the ride: Apply My Donation,” select “Scott’s Great Divide Ride.” after visiting: https://foundation-of-compassionate-american-samaritans.networkforgood.com/projects/122731-online-giving.