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Just Keep Peddlin'
It's late August in Missouri, so that makes it "trail days" for The Biker Babes, aka Psycho Bikers. It's the time of year when The Biker Babes and BB Friendlies cycle across Missouri on the Katy Trail. This is a ten year tradition, total miles 225.1, not that we're counting or anything.
We spend considerable time making sure we have all the right gear, tools, food, and supplies, and that our bikes and bods are trail ready. We psych ourselves up and engage in a lot of positive self talk! And then the day finally comes...and we're ready to roll, but alas, we must pedal. This is definitely a peddling adventure.
Bicycling on the Katy provides cyclists with an up close and personal tour of the Heart of the Heartland, peddling slowly, oh so slowly, through prairies, farming communities, wildlife preserves, along the spectacular Missouri River Bluffs, and right through Missouri Wine Country.
Where else could we learn about such places as Tightwad, Missouri? Apparently a banking meca, we learned that people from all over the country have accounts in Tightwad. Who knew?
This year, we enjoyed mild Missouri temperatures of up to 100 degrees, biked up never ending hills, got drenched in a thunderstorm that caked Babes, Bikes and Gear with trail mud. We were even greeted by an inn keeper and his garden hose determined that muddy bikers would not destroy his B&B. We had a front row seat to a tornado while enjoying a lovely evening of outdoor dining. We remembered the 33th anniversary of Elvis' passing over outrageous hand dipped milkshakes and savored world renowned Oatmeal Pancakes with Eldon and Maggie at Meyer's Bed & Breakfast. We biked through the Missouri State Fair Grounds during the State Fair,and met Betty, the bartender and esteemed inventor of the world's best tuna salad sandwich. We're talking seriously superior tuna salad here.
We were joined by friends and family members all along the way; some to bike with us, some to eat with us, some to party with us, and some to generally affirm that we are indeed Psycho Bikers. And, they didn't even seem to mind that we smelled like a herd of goats. True friends! Dear Family!
Everything slows down on the trail. It's a part of the countryside where time truly stands still. We were not surprised to see an Amish family heading out in their horse and buggy. We fell into an easy retreat from the demands of our so called "normal lives." We discussed and decided that God most likely did not mean for us to be glued to our computer and tv screens, or to be indoors all the time in conditioned air.
We appreciated the gift of time as we peddled along, hour after hour, day after day. Time on the trail is abundant, and that makes space for reflection, renewal, contemplation and unhurried conversation. The trail tends to bring out the philosopher in all of us, and this led to a great conversation about what we might learn from "the wise, old, peaceful trail." The Biker Babes agreed to share their Top Ten List. We hope you find a lesson from the Katy Trail you can use too!
The Biker Babes' Top Ten Lessons from the Katy Trail
1. You can always bike faster than your personal best when trying to beat a thunderstorm, or when there is a hand dipped milkshake in your future.
2. You can get just as wet trying to avoid the storm as you can cycling through it.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And, don't forget to replenish those electrolytes.
4. Food is fuel. Don't let your tank get empty.
5. Laugh Loud. Laugh Often. (Ten miles of continuous laughter is our record to date.)
6. Discouraging words are forbidden on the trail.
7. The sun still comes up in the East on the Katy. Remember to check out the sun's location before heading out.
8. Skunks are just as afraid of you, and they hate it when you whistle a happy tune.
9. Never, never brag about not having a bike wreck.
10. And, finally, just keep peddlin' till you can't peddle no mo'...Thanks Geno!
And now, for your coaching challenge, should you choose to accept it.
Which of the Biker Babe trail lessons might you most benefit from applying this week? Go for it, and see how many miles you can get out of it! Happy Trails!
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We'll see you online next Monday. Wishing You Your Best Week Yet!
Cheers! Coach Jeanne
To learn more about "the coach approach" and our comprehensive coaching services, please contact jeanne@thequalitycoach.com
The Quality Coach!®, Celebrating over 20 Years of Coaching Great Leaders & Teams.
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