A lot has been happening around Cody. Many opportunities, many changes. For me, the excitement surrounds applying for, and being accepted as a Blackburn Ranger. While the parts of the process have steadily marched along for months, it wasn't until this week that the reality has hit me.
Tomorrow, I fly to San Jose, CA where I'll be greeted by the Blackburn family. Six fellow rangers and I will navigate to a corner of parking area 6 of the San Jose airport, where our brand new Niner bikes will be waiting for us. Once all the gear is packed on the bikes, we head out for 3 days of biking, exploring, and orientation into the Ranger program.
The last time I stepped out of my comfort zone in a big way, was back in 2007 when I boarded a plane bound for Puerto Williams, Chile where I'd spend the next 7 months guiding, exploring, and absorbing as much South American culture (and pisco) as possible. In the past 2 days, I've been feeling a certain uneasiness in my stomach that could be confused for a bad case of indigestion. Now, I know that feeling is anticipation for the adventure that awaits me in California, and even more so for the ambitions ride I'm doing next January.
Good things happen when you stretch yourself, and step out of the daily routine. I can't wait to see where the next 12 months take me.
