Costly Comfort

Yesterday’s post proved to be somewhat prophetic.

After writing about riding in adverse conditions, we awoke Tuesday morning to rain, strong wind, and temps in the low 40s. At home, that’s a prescription for another cup of coffee and no riding.

Becky advised waiting, but I was determined to get going. So I layered on the clothes, donned rain gear, and started cranking. It surely wasn’t the most pleasant ride I’ve experienced, but the day reminded me of an important principle. Pursuing dreams is a lot more about character than comfort.

Character is a long-term issue, and it’s often developed and tested in uncomfortable settings. I could have easily chosen the short-term comfort of a hotel lobby. Everyone who watched me get ready thought I was nuts for venturing into such miserable conditions, and perhaps they were right.

But Tuesday’s ride took me past the 1000-mile mark. I did my fastest ride of the entire journey. I proved to myself that I could continue to chase my dream in the face of difficult circumstances.

Those things matter to me. They were worth sacrificing a few hours of short-term comfort.

The ride was cut a bit short (34 miles) by the first flat time of the entire trip. Changing wheels in the chilly rain didn’t seem sensible, so we called it a day.

Some might wonder why I’d give up comfort for a 34-mile bike ride. I see it differently.

I would have sacrificed a great deal to gain a small bit of short-term comfort. For me, the price was too high.

I wonder how often we pass by important experiences to avoid temporary discomfort. I wonder if we understand the price we pay for comfort at any cost.

Please leave a comment here.

1020 Total Miles

Here’s a fun little video from Luther HS in La Crosse (if you can’t see the video, click here.)

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