[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”180″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#2ecc71″ text_above=”Rode for” text_below=”Minutes” text_color=””][x_gap size=”45px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”122″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#3498db” text_above=”Covered” text_below=”Miles” text_color=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]How much oil did you use on this trip?
All of this bottle, but as long as I kept feeding it oil it ran okay, I respond.
He’s clearly not convinced.
Due to a combination of eternal positivity and stubborn pretending, I’d really believed that Rufio was okay. That we’d avoided the operating room. Were in the clear after our maintenance day.
But that doesn’t seem to be the case. Oil filter pulled, I’m confronted with the reality. Metal flakes, where there should be none.
I hadn’t prepared myself mentally for this outcome, opposed to the change in plans. Resistant to more time wrenching, bummed that cash earmarked for getting across the country will now be used for shiny moto innards. I’ve half a mind to let stubbornness rule, ignore the problem and continue on.
And then an image flashes through my mind. A map of all of North America, an entire continent, with little Rufios all over it. I remember the mission, the experiences giving me courage, the good fortune and people that inspire. It’s a long game vs short game analysis. I’ve no interest in the short, I’m committed to the long.
I remember that becoming the person you envision rarely happens through the easy times. It’s the challenges and unexpected moments that really count. I want to be handy with tools, understand how an engine works, have applicable knowledge for all the unknowns to come – and this is my chance. To take things apart, to learn from the best, to get hands on piston knowledge, to be proactive and leave things better than before.
Plans of part ordering discussed, Bay and I head out to meet strangers-turned-to-friends who’ve offered a cabin stay.
As we settle on the porch for dinner, the sound of the river interrupted only by the busy clatter of woodpeckers, any remaining mopiness disappears. Talking about family, travel, and the history of the cabin, deep gratitude warms my heart. Hearing Scott tell of the stunning pictures on the wall, inspiration floods my veins.
People are good, obstacles an opportunity. This I will always believe.
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